#I drink over 3 liters of water and take a bunch of salt for water retention
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i had to get a b12 infusion and the nurse was like, damn you slurped that iv up
#I drink over 3 liters of water and take a bunch of salt for water retention#And yet I am constantly dehydrated apparently
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small horrors story
today was gonna be a perfect day.
i had managed to scrounge up ten minutes out of my busy schedule of youtube sidebar recomendations to actually sit down with actual phisical pen and paper to write down an actual to do list for the next day. and it was a thing of beauty. perfectly ennumerated, formatted and lettered tasks in cascading rows or responsaility, sub tasks indented. every second of the day accounted for, i had even gone as far as making specific stops to get hidrated. the minimum reccomended of water per day was about four liters, i was almost sure i had read that somewhere, and so, four liters were distributed in small cups of water all trhough the day. it was going to be slick, efficient and seamless, a perfect orquestra. I had even managed to time my sleep so that i would get precisely eight hours. this was going to be the turn of a new leaf, once i had managed to get one day through of being a functioning adult then the next day was going to be easier, and so the next one and the next after that, until my life finally got back on track. To further signal that this was meant to be, the gods were mercyful and for once i managed to go to sleep fifteen meniutes after laying in bed and closing my eyes. the legends were true after all.
i woke up five minutes before the alam went off. i had to say there, in darkness, my eyes staring at the clock in my phone, completly still until the ding came in. i shut it off immediatly and got out of bed. i crossed that out of the list. things were going well so far. i went to the bathroom to get out of the way the morning pee and drank the first out of sixteen glasses of water. i crossed that off my list. my computer was turned off and i had disconnected my phone from the wi fi network just to make sure there wouldnt be any temptations. for a second i stood in the middle of my room reading what was next and weighing if i had the will to do it or if i could turn my computer first and connect online. i managed to push through and, through titanic effort, i made my bed. crossing that off felt glorious. i turned on my computer and while i warmed up i went to get me a cup of tea of the kitchen. the tasks were flowing out of the paper like water, graphite lines, beautiful graphine lines indicating incremental small weighs that i was allowing my self to get off my shoulders.
with the tea done i sat down by my computer, i had scheduled myself the work for the day with two little breaks for entertainment, the first one just catching up with my feed of shitpost and the second a small 20 minute video to watch before groceries and cooking my self lunch. i got to it, by god i got to it, life was good. i was happy.
i had made an insane amount of progress by the time the second break came. i saved my progress, closed off the windows, closed the tabs. there was only one more video to watch and groceries afterwards. just twenty minutes of mindless fun. i stretched and clicked play.
at the five minute mark the video freezed. i wasited all of three seconds before checking that the progress bar hadnt completly loaded up. i checked my internet connection. the wi fi was weak. no matter, i could just wait a few extra minutes for it to load all the way and then watch the rest of it. the grey line advanced painfully slow. i opened other tabs to keep myself distracted while the video loaded but those were excruciatingly slow as well and they only made the video go slower. my internet was failing.
i stood up to check the router, it was working well but the beeping lights told me that the signal coming from the provider was weak. that stung, but i decided to trust it was just a minor hiccup and it would fix itself soon enough. i loaded up with patience and managed to open a clicker game in another tab to kill the time while i waited for things to sort themselves out. ocassionally i would go back to the video and manage to squeeze five or ten extra seconds out of it before it freezed again.
eventually it got too unbearable. i stood up again and rebooted the router. it didnt fix the problem. finally i realized what i had to do. i was going to have to call the internet provider. i paced for about twenty minutes around my house, ocassionally snacking on some cookies in the kitchen. well, maybe i could swipe the floors before, i had left a bunch of crumbs all over the place wile snacking. finally when i finished doing that i stood there wondering what to do, i looked at the list again. i decided i might as well take another glass of water, two out of sixteen glases were done, i crossed it off the list but it was out of sequence so that bothered me a lot more than it helped.
finally i went to my contact list in my phone and tried to call the provider but when i did so i realized my phone had no credit on it, i was going to have to go out and charge it up. this got me pacing for another thirty minutes. after which i paced another fifteen looking for my keys.
i managed to go out eventually, all the way up to the corner store and charge up my phone with some more minutes to talk, made it all the way back and called the internet provider. they told me that they were doing some network manteinance and that it should be fixed in an hour. by this point i was biting my nails something fierce. i had already gone through the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger and the ring finger in my left hand. and by the time the hour passed with me sitting in my room staring with unfocused eyes into a wall i had gone through the rest of my fingers and gone all the way back to the first thumb again, which was by now bleeding a little.
finally the internet came back in full and i was able to watch the video, problem was by that point i was completly out of it, i didnt enjoy it at all and had to ocassionally pause and watch something else just to keep my interest going. by the time those original twenty minutes had passed it was 2 pm and i hadnt even eaten lunch yet.
what was worse, when i went out to get [internet] it didnt occur to me that i could also go out to get [groceries]. and going out again was completly out of the qeustion, i had pent my alloted energy to do that.... but then i wouldnt be able to cross the grocery task out of the list. i was starting to feel a weird buzzing in my head, my thumb was stinging and bleeding and my belly was roaring. i decided to drink abother glass of water, three out of sixteen.
i decided to cheat, i had gone out to the corner store after all, i crossed what i culd out of the list and managed to drag myself to the kitchen to cook some plain rice, i tried to give it some flavour by overcompensating with salt and the result was inedible. it was 4 pm, i was starving. and yet, famished and all, it still took me about thrity more minutes to call for delivery. a pizza was going to have to be, which hadnt been at all in my budget for the day.
i ate it straight from the box while trying to comfort myself watching some other mindless videos, work was completly out of the question for the rest of the day. before i realized i was back on the clicker game because i had left the tab opened when i first played it, the pizza box laid abandoned by my feet. it was getting dark outside.
i thought for an idle second to cross eating out of my list but i had no idea where i had left it and i just didnt feel like getting up from my chair, i kept on clicking, outside was dark already. i got a call but i didnt answer. i was thirsty but i didnt noticed it. somehow it was 3 am again, my eyes hurt.
i turned off the computer and shuffled back to bed.
it took me two more hours to go to sleep.
i couldnt even turn off the alarm.
tomorrow was gonna be another day.
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stubborn (oldseph x reader)
anonymous asked: why hello there! i'd like to request a part 3 joseph x reader where the reader is a crusader and joseph's always trying to protect her, but she's always trying to prove herself to him and then they fall in love! thank you so much my joseph fan friend!
Oldseph is literally the light of my life, okay. I don’t usually write super long stuff like this but I was so moved because Oldseph. Here ya go!
You had never guessed that you would find yourself in this situation: traveling the middle east with a few grown men and a couple of high school students thrown in for good measure.
The dynamic was a bit awkward at first, to say the least. While you were in your mid-twenties and were capable of handling yourself, being surrounded by men always had its downsides.
They always thought that you needed protection, which wasn't true in the slightest. You knew what you were getting into when accepting the offer of defeating DIO once and for all. You even had a stand of your own. Yet, it was always "You should stay out of this, Y/N." or "It's dangerous to go there alone. Let me come with you."
It drove you insane, to say the least.
You've told the other crusaders countless times that you were okay and they left you to your own devices. Except for one. Joeseph Joestar.
He had to be the most stubborn man that you've met in your entire life. After your pleading and constant requests to leave you be, he would still watch you like a hawk all day every day.
Although you had to admit that you found his dedication to you quite flattering. Or...maybe you just craved the attention. You couldn't be sure.
Today was another hectic day, with the gang chasing after another enemy stand user that went by the name of Hol Horse. Just a few short moments ago he had shot your beloved comrade Avdol point-blank. After cornering him; however, the slippery cowboy had evaded their grasp. Luckily they wasted no time chasing him down, and they were quickly closing the distance.
"Get back here! I'll kill you for what you did to Avdol!" Polnareff shouted, Silver Chariot attempting to stab at his heels. Hol Horse had now begun shooting with Emporer at the sand, creating a cloud of dust that had made it hard enough to see just about anything. "Shit!" It was later discovered that Chariot's rapier was stabbing at nothing.
"You'll never take me alive!" Hol Horse had begun shooting like a madman now in a desperate attempt at escape. You had kept up with the rest of the bunch this whole time, but Joseph wasn't having any of it.
"Y/N. You have to stay behind me." He glanced back at you to see that you were following his careful orders. You could feel your blood beginning to boil.
"Excuse you? I can take care of myself, thank you very much." Your stand expertly deflected the stray bullets that were flying here and there. Joseph used his Hermit Purple to create a net around you, lifting you off of the ground.
"Hey, what the- you've got to be kidding me right now..." you were now suspended above the sandy terrain, your stand trying to free you from the vine's grasp. It was no use, as Joseph used a spark of Hamon to keep your quest for freedom at bay.
"Sorry Y/N, I know that you're mad. But Hol Horse isn't taking any chances. He's gone crazy, and we can't risk losing you."
You slumped to the bottom of the makeshift net, the sounds of gunfire still ringing in your ears. The statement really should have been: 'I can't risk losing you' at this point. All of the other crusaders have respected your wishes, but Joseph always went that extra mile to make sure that you were protected and safe. Maybe it wasn't all bad, but you figured that another talk with the old man would just do more harm than good at this point.
A couple of minutes had gone by, with you still trapped in your makeshift prison. It was only when you heard the screams of a certain cowboy that you stood up and leaned lightly against the thorny wall.
Hol Horse had finally been caught. Kakyoin was interrogating him about DIO's whereabouts while Jotaro's Star Platinum had him in a chokehold. "Please, please lemme go! I'll tell ya where Mr. DIO is!" He cried, and Joseph let out a low rumble of a laugh. It was strangely...attractive?
"You really think that we're gonna let you go, huh?" He removed his hat to scratch his head. You watched him run his hands through his salt and pepper locks, and from your practically-aerial view, it looked particularly soft?
No....you were not getting feelings for Joseph Joestar. 69-year-old Joseph Joestar. This can't be happening.
Hol Horse was having none of Joseph's teasing. "Please, I'll do anything!" He pleaded. Joseph looked over to Kakyoin, who looked to Jotaro and so on and so forth. No one looked at you, still trapped in vines. You couldn't help but roll your eyes at the idiotic display.
While everyone was exchanging glances to decide what to do, you were the only one who had noticed Hol Horse reaching into his boot. He had something up his sleeve. "Guys, he's got a-!" you tried to shout out to reach the others, but it was no use.
There was an extra gun stashed away that had been neglected in the patdown after his capture. He shot at the sand once more and then ran as if his life depended on it...which it certainly did.
Jotaro pointed in his direction, ready to send Star Platinum into a frenzy. Kakyoin stopped him before he could begin his assault. "It's not worth it, Y/N was the only one who could have possibly prevented that escape from happening." Joseph began to turn around and walk back to where they had thrown their supplies before Kakyoin could call him out. "Now where do you think you're going?"
"Ah, me?" He instinctively put his hand on the back of his neck. "I was just getting a drink! Was probably gonna grab something for Y/N too." He gave a thumbs up.
"Why am I still trapped in his hellhole?" You yelled down to the group. Joseph quickly released his Hermit Purple and you were safely brought back to the ground. "You are so thick. What makes you think that I can't take care of myself, huh?" Out of frustration, your hand had rested itself upon your hip.
"I was just trying to protect you!" He threw up his hands in defense. "That Hol Horse guy is crazy-"
"You wanna know what's crazy? Taking me out of the chase and lifting me into the sky so I wouldn't be in harm's way." You bit your lip in order to avoid saying something that you would later regret.
Before things could get more heated, Polnareff was the one who finally decided to break the tension. "I think that everyone is just tired since we've been out in the sun all day. Tensions are still high from the loss of Avdol, agreed?" Everyone gave a solemn nod. Losing their friend that day had taken a toll on all of them, Polnareff especially.
"He does have a point," Jotaro spoke, folding his arms. "Today's been a rough day for us all. And to top it all off...I'm starving..."
"Me too..." You couldn't deny the sounds that your stomach was making. All of that rage and aggressive towards Joseph had made you work up quite the appetite.
"I've got a great idea! Let's go somewhere special for dinner tonight. To make up for what I did to Y/N." Joseph gave a grin. It made your anger dissipate almost immediately, but you would never let him have the satisfaction of knowing that. "Even better, I'll pay!"
"Fine, but only because you're paying..." You grumbled as you gathered the rest of your earlier confiscated belongings from the heap of supplies on the ground. At least you were being treated to a good meal.
----
After arguing for a solid 30 minutes about where to eat for the night, you all had finally decided on a steakhouse. Even though they were in India, Joseph had insisted on sampling a classic "American" burger because he was feeling homesick.
The waitress that ushered you in was very polite, and soon the 5 of you were settled into a booth, with you and Joseph sitting on one side, and Kakyoin, Polnareff, and Jotaro sitting on the other.
"Can I get you guys something to drink?" The uncomfortably jovial waitress asked around the table and just wrote down a little scribble here and there.
When it was finally your turn, you asked for an iced tea. But not before being cut off by Joseph who insisted that water was the better choice. Thankfully, the booth was so cramped that you could dig your elbow into his side, making him howl with pain. "I'm so sorry about that. If I could get an iced tea that would be great!"
When the woman was out of earshot. Joseph turned to you, still rubbing his side with his prosthetic hand. It accidentally brushed against you, and the chill of the cool metal sent shivers down your spine. "Now, what was that about!"
"I can order a damn beverage for myself, Joseph."
"Someone could have poisoned the iced tea and we don't even know!" He raised his eyebrows along with his voice.
"I'm done fighting. Let's just finish this dinner and find a hotel...I'm exhausted." You sighed, resting your read on the table. Even though you couldn't see it, you could practically feel Joseph's eyes on you.
The rest of the dinner continued in silence. Everyone stared at their plates when the food came out, and so far the only interaction that had occurred during their outing besides the outbursts from Joseph was when Polnareff started choking on his burger.
"This is what I get for eating American food..." He managed between coughs.
"A rather silent bunch tonight, aren't we-" Kakyoin eventually broke the silence, reaching across the table for the ketchup bottle.
"I just don't really feel like talking, that's all." You answered, just pushing around the leftover food on your plate. In reality, you were just trying to process these newly-surfaced feelings for Joseph. You must have been so spaced out that he noticed.
"Hey, space cadet!" He waved his hand in front of your face, causing you to snap out of it. "You okay, Y/N? You've been acting awfully strange."
You could feel a blush creeping up on your features, so you attempted to cover your face. "I-it's nothing, really. I just- haven't eaten beef in a while and it's upsetting my stomach, that's all!" Really? Like he would believe that.
"I've got some medicine in my bag I can give to ya when we're back at the hotel. I don't want you to be in pain." Curse him for caring about you!
"I'll be okay, let's just get out of here." Joseph shrugs and calls the waitress over to bring the check. The rest of the restaurant outing goes smoothly, you guys even got the fancy mints! You each pitched in for the tip, despite protests from Joseph, and made your way back into the stifling desert air.
The hotel check-in was a relatively painless process as well, Jotaro and Kakyoin had decided to room together, and Polnareff offered to share a room with Joseph. That left you with your own room for the night.
Since you usually traveled in even numbers, finally having a room to yourself for once was pretty nice. Although, you wished that it could have been under different circumstances. When you entered your single suite you all but ran to the bed, throwing your bags on the ground. The soft sheets welcomed you and lulled you into a deep sleep.
That was until you were woken up from your precious slumber by a sharp knock at the door.
You checked your phone, seeing that only a couple hours had passed since you had checked in and bid the rest of the group goodnight. Looking out the window, you could tell that the sun had already set, giving way to a night sky accompanied by a slight breeze. Nights in the desert could be pleasant sometimes.
"Coming!" You shouted, looking in the mirror quickly to make sure that you didn't look like a complete and utter mess. After giving yourself the once over you peered into the peephole to see Joseph. He was clutching a bag and some water. 'Oh yeah, the medicine.'
You opened the door, and he gave you a wide smile. "Good evening! I came to bring you that medicine. And I got some water too!" He playfully shook the bottle in his hand. What a goofball.
"That's very sweet of you, Joseph." You felt the corners of your lips tug upward, threatening to form a smile. God, you couldn't deny how charming he was. "Why don't you come inside."
"Okay, if you insist!" He stepped across the threshold and shut the door carefully behind him. He handed you the medicine and water and walked across the room to sit on your bed. "I see that you already broke this bad boy in." He gestured to the sheets, which had still been rustled from your nap.
"Yeah, I was exhausted after everything that happened today." You decided to be bold and sit down on the bed next to him. He almost flinched a little when he felt the bed covers dip beside him. Was Joseph Joestar getting a little flustered?
"Y/N, now that we're here. I actually have something else to tell you." The grip on your water bottle tightened, and you took a shaky swig.
"Oh yeah, what's that? You finally want to apologize for all those times that you got in my way?" You tried to avoid eye contact as much as possible.
"No, actually. I find myself doing those things because I can't stand to live in a world without you. I really you Y/N-" The last sentence came out a little rushed, but your eyes went wide.
You were holding the water bottle so tightly at this point that it was a bit uncomfortable. Being taken aback by the confession, you just sat in silence for a bit. Finally, after a few seconds of unbearable quiet, you spoke up. "Well, that explains a lot actually."
"It does, doesn't it." Joseph moved a little closer to you, now gently holding your free hand. "I don't mean to sound like a bother to you, but I just can't stand to see you hurt. I know that you are probably more than a little uncomfortable with the age difference, anybody would be but-" You cut off his rambling with a quick kiss.
You giggled as you watched his face turned red. He was completely speechless for once. "You really need to learn when to shut up sometimes. I've been denying my feelings for too long as well. It's about time that I was completely honest with myself."
"You- you really feel the same way?" Joseph was absolutely bewildered at this point, for he was not expecting this response. You nodded your head in response.
"But, from now on if this is gonna work out, you gotta let me off the leash a little. Or else I'll have to... tickle you or something." You set your water bottle on the nearby nightstand and stood up.
"Empty threats, empty threats I say." Joseph blew a raspberry. He also stood up, and you noticed the size difference between the two of you. His tallness was insanely attractive, to the point where it wasn't fair. "Well, I better get going."
"You don't have to if you don't want to, it gets lonely here at night." You shot him a pleading look, slapping the covers where he once sat.
He walked over to you and picked you up, your legs were now wrapped around his giant torso. "You would like that, wouldn't you." Your lips were dangerously close to touching, but he decided not to close the distance, much to your dismay.
"Well, it sounds like a good idea to me." Your arms were draped around the back of his neck. They reached up to play with his hair, and you cherished the feeling of his soft strands. 'His hair really is that soft...'
"You're gonna have to let me grab my clothes then, I'm not sleeping in these." He was still wearing his daily attire.
You slid off of him reluctantly. 'I guess I'll let you go then. Don't take too long."
"No promises!" He teased, exiting your room, leaving you to shut the door behind him. You leaned against the door before closing it, admiring his retreating assets.
After shutting the door, you leaned against it and smiled. That was quite the unexpected turn of events. At least you found out the reason behind Joseph's constant nagging, and quite honestly you wouldn't have it any other way.
#part 3 joseph#oldseph#oldseph x reader#jjba x reader#jjba#jojo#jojos bizarre adventure#stardust crusaders#i loved writing this#oldseph just really has me like *this*#he's so incredible i can't#joseph joestar#joseph joestar x reader
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CSA WEEK 9
P I C K L I S T
CORN - LETTUCE - PURPLE CABBAGE - BASIL - GARLIC - (softy) BLUEBERRIES - TOMATO - BEETS
LEMON CUKES - SLICING CUKES - ANNISE HYSSOP - PURPLE PEPPER - HOTTY PEP JALAPENO - RED ONION
Lengthy pro-tip section, so not a lot of room for updates but I can tell you this: My heart is totally bursting from the back to back blueberry-pick-pop-ups. It just feels so good to be able to welcome you all into the fields again! And the turn out for both days and the good vibes all around are really and truly what CSA dreams are made of. Well, that and a ½ bushel box full of kimchi making crops (napa cabbage/bok choy/ginger/hot pepper/scallions/etc… who’s with me on this?).
In other news, last week Mother Nature finally started to lighten up on us and now we are getting some proper summer weather. The cukes and summer and zucchini just started to really kick in. Melons are on the verge of major harvesting and the flavor has been pretty good considering the water and lack of sun. Cherry and grape tomatoes should be coming in to it pretty soon as well. We have made most of our final direct seedings outside with the exception of a few more radishes and a spinach seeding for fall. FALL!!! EGADS, NOT READY!! We continue to plant broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower in hopes of some favorable September/October conditions, but goodness gracious at this point it’s all a crapshoot.
PRO TIPS:
SOFTY BLUES… YES! YOUR BLUEBERRIES ARE QUITE SOFT! THIS IS NOT AN ILLUSION… Here is the deal, as blueberry season marches on, the picking conditions are less than ideal. Literal branches hanging out in standing water. The field we are currently on is soaked- therefor the berries are super soaked. Nobody is pumped, HOWEVER, these berries can be combined with your berries from PYO on Saturday and transformed into the most beautiful and flavorful smoothie/pie/jam/sauce etc… OR FREEZE these blues, and in the winter when you are desperate for some summertime flavorflavs, thaw out, combine with yogurt, and soft blueberries will never be more welcome.
JENNY’S NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS ENTIRELY FROM THE BON APPETIT WEBSITE, BUT I WHOLE-HEARTEDLY AGREE WITH THE FOOD PROCESSOR SENTIMENT. IF YOU CAN FIGURE OUT AWAY TO GET ONE (THEY ARE SO EXPENSIVE I KNOW!!!) THEY ARE TOTALLY WORTH THE INVESTMENT. IT’S A SUMMER EATING SEASON MUST… You will need a food processor—if you don’t have one, we highly recommend making this an excuse to get one; it’s a good investment that you’ll use forever and ever and ever—and a handful of ingredients like basil, pine nuts, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, and salt. The key for this classic pesto is to add the basil at the very end instead of blending everything all at once. That way the herbs will maintain their verdant color without bruising or losing flavor.
Ingredients
MAKES ABOUT 1½ CUPS
½ cup pine nuts
3 oz. Parmesan, grated (about ¾ cup)
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
6 cups basil leaves (about 3 bunches)
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp. kosher salt
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°. Toast pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet (or quarter sheet pan), tossing once halfway through, until golden brown, 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a food processor and let cool. Add cheese and garlic and pulse until finely ground, about 1 minute. Add basil and place the top back on. With the motor running, add oil in a slow and steady stream until pesto is mostly smooth, with just a few flecks of green, about 1 minute. Season with salt.
Do Ahead: Pesto can be made 1 day ahead. Top with ½" oil to prevent browning. Store in a covered container (an extra drizzle of oil on top will help prevent oxidation) and chill.
Step 2
If you want to use this with pasta, cook 12 oz. dried pasta (we prefer long pasta for pesto) in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta cooking liquid.
Step 3
Place pesto and 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces, in a large bowl. Add pasta and ¼ cup pasta cooking liquid. Using tongs, toss vigorously, adding more pasta cooking liquid if needed, until pasta is glossy and well coated with sauce. Season with salt.
Step 4
Divide pasta among bowls. Top with finely grated Parmesan.
Anise hyssop:
So fragrant! Bees love it! So beautiful! So productive! So medicinal! So delicious! The list goes on and on. This herb, with a flavor of licorice-mint, steeps beautifully in hot water for a divine summer tea meant to ward off the expected Summer cold, and soothe the ever racing Summer brain.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
-alleviates fever and reduce bacterial and viral load in case of illness. Anti-inflammatory
- soothing cough suppressant
- encourages relaxation
How to use
Teas: Add fresh Anise Hyssop to a jar and cover with boiling water. Eyeball 6-8 tablespoons of fresh herb per quart jar (including flowers!). Cover and let steep until cool enough to drink. Strain and drink, or cool and refrigerate to save for iced tea.
Other: The leaves and flowers are edible. Add to savory or fruit salads, smoothies, or baking projects.
Garlic noodles (FROM THE OFFICIAL COOKBOOK OF SUMMER ‘21):
BURMA SUPERSTAR: ADDICTIVE RECIPES FROM THE CROSSROADS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA by Desmond Tan and Kate Leahy
¼ cup canola oil
4 tblsp. minced garlic
¾ cup sliced red onion soaked in water and drained
2 tblsp. Soy sauce
½ cup sriracha
1 tblsp. Minced ginger
¼ teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tblsp. Water
12 ounces fresh wide wonton noodles or dried chinese wheat noodles
1 cucumber thinly sliced
3 green onions thinly sliced (sub in your onion tops!)
In a small pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of the garlic, set the heat to low, and fry, swirling the pot frequently, until the garlic is nearly golden in color, no more than 3 minutes. (If the garlic starts to darken too quickly, pull the pot off the heat for 30 seconds before returning it to the heat). Because the garlic can burn quickly, watch the pot the while time while the garlic fries.
Immediately pour the oil into a heatproof bowl and let it cool. The garlic will continue to cook and turn golden as it sits. If the garlic is already golden brown before you take it off the heat and it looks like it might burn if left in the oil, all is not lost. Pour the oil through a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl to remove the garlic from the oil and stop it from cooking further. Once the oil has cooled a bit, return the garlic to the oil.
Add the onions and soy sauce to the garlic.
In a small serving bowl, stir together the sriracha, the remaining 1 tablespoon of garlic, the ginger, sugar, salt, and water.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook, stirring often with chopsticks, until nearly soft all the way through, about 4 minutes or until tender but still slightly chewy. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water. Give the colander a shake to remove excess water.
Return noodles to the pot. Pour in the garlic-soy sauce mixture and add the cucumbers. Give the noodles a stir with a pair of tongs, then divide among bowls. Top with “green onions”. Serve with srircha
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TAGGED BY @berestweys. thanks sweetheart!
I’m trying to write a fic and it is NOT HAPPENING so we’re gonna try disconnecting the brain via fun memes and see if it helps.
1. What is the colour of your hairbrush? I have two hairbrushes! the one I use when my hair is wet is kind of abstract with blue, pink, purple, and gold splotches on a black background. the one I use when my hair is dry is rose gold. (rose gold paint, that is. it’s not like...a solid gold hairbrush. Just to clarify.)
2. Name a food you never eat. meat! I’m vegetarian. also no thank you to mushrooms.
3. Are you typically too warm or too cold? this has changed in the last couple years and I can’t explain it. I used to always be too warm but for the last few years I’ve been cold just all the time. I spent all summer wearing sweaters.
4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago? searching for inspiration via chores. I cleaned the bathroom. it did not help.
5. What’s your favourite candy bar? lion bar
6. Have you ever been to a professional sports game? I....think so? I have very vague memories of potentially attending an Astros game when I was a kid? but the keyword here is vague. very possible that was just a dream. I certainly haven’t done so in recent memory.
7. What is the last thing you said out loud? "no, that doesn’t work.” (seriously, writing is hard.)
8. What is your favourite ice cream? mint chocolate chip!
9. What was the last thing you had to drink? water
10. Do you like your wallet? it’s very functional, so sure.
11. What is the last thing you ate? a piece of chocolate.
12. Did you buy any new clothes last weekend? nope.
13. What’s the last sporting event you watched? uhhhh...when the Astros won the world series a couple years ago, I watched the last game. so that. (not a big sports fan, y’all.)
14. What is your favourite flavour of popcorn? mostly just plain butter and salt. but I do love some caramel corn at Christmas.
15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to? my Lexi
16. Ever been camping? fun story: when I was a girl scout my troop leaders did not want to take us camping for real, so we were gonna set up tents in their backyards. except when the time came we were under air quality alerts. so instead we slept in sleeping bags on the troop leader’s living room floor. and that is the closest I ever got to camping.
17. Do you take vitamins? nope. (I should! but I don’t.)
18. Do you regularly attend a place of worship? not recently. I kind of fell out of the habit after I moved to Louisiana last summer because the priests at the closest church are just....very boring. which is awful, but true. I dozed off during the first couple homilies at the masses I attended and eventually I just stopped going. I made a resolution as part of my Lenten observation to attend weekly mass again and did really well at first! but then, you know. COVID.
19. Do you have a tan? I do not.
20. Do you prefer chinese or pizza? pizza, definitely.
21. Do you drink your soda through a straw? only when it comes from a restaurant.
22. What colour socks do you usually wear? I have a whole bunch of different socks in varying shades of gold, grey, green, blue...they’re these socks, if anyone’s in the market. (#notspon) very warm and comfy, although I go through them pretty fast. I expect this is because I just wash ‘em regularly instead of following the detailed care instructions. (because who has time?)
23. Do you ever drive above the speed limit? everyone around here drives 5 miles above the speed limit. I do the same to keep with the flow of traffic.
24. What terrifies you? driving into water and being trapped. I’ve been having nightmares about it since before I could even drive.
25. Look to your left, what do you see? my phones.
26. What chore do you hate most? literally any kind of cleaning. why can’t things clean themselves. why does the floor need to be mopped so often. WHERE DOES ALL THIS DUST COME FROM.
27. What do you think of when you hear an Australian accent? that old Monty Python sketch where everyone is named Bruce.
28. What’s your favourite soda? diet coke
29. Do you go in a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? drive thru.
30. What’s your favourite number? 13
31. Who’s the last person you talked to? ……like via phone/in person? my parents on the phone.
32. Favourite meat? none. don’t eat it.
33. Last song you listened to? hark the herald angels sing by pentatonix. got my Christmas playlist going.
34. Last book you read? I’ve been working on an autobiography of a stewardess on the Titanic for like....six months. It’s not a difficult or even particularly long read, I just keep not picking it up. I read half of it in a week and then haven’t touched it since like...September.
35. Favourite day of the week? Sunday.
36. Can you say the alphabet backwards? slowly and with many pauses to think, probably.
37. How do you like your coffee? I don’t. love the smell, can’t stand the taste.
38. Favourite pair of shoes? I have a pair of high heeled boots I wear everywhere.
39. Time you normally get up? around six usually.
40. What do you prefer, sunrise or sunsets? sunrise
41. How many blankets on your bed? three - a quilt, a velvet throw, and a weighted blanket Mir got me for Christmas, which is the BEST THING EVER
42. Describe your kitchen plates. white with a blue pattern of leaves and hearts around the edges.
43. Describe your kitchen at the moment. my stove is in desperate need of cleaning. I heated up some tofu cubes the other night that sent tiny fragments flying everywhere, and when I ran a damp towel over the stove to collect the fragments, it came back soooooo gross. so that needs a real scrubbing.
44. Do you have a favourite alcoholic drink? nope, don’t drink.
45. Do you play cards? when I was a kid, all the time. these days, not so much.
46. What colour is your car? white
47. Can you change a tyre? theoretically, yes, but I’ve never done it in practice.
48. Your favourite state or province? Texas is where the HEBs are. I miss HEB. so we’ll go with Texas.
49. Favourite job you’ve had? my current job is pretty great!
tagging @ilosttrackofthings, @andyouweremine, @safelycapricious, @sapphireglyphs, @thestarfishdancer, @heytheredeann, and anyone else who’d like to do this!
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Heart’s Desire Lore Post
[All of my Ambition lore can be found in this google doc]
The Marvelous
This is protocol: when a player wins, they depart. A new candidate is found, or occasionally, like your delecterious self, presents themselves." Pages lets out a long faux-melancholy sigh. "The rest of us must keep playing, of course. Victory is the only escape."
“When a winner expresses their heart's desire, we – that is the Masters – gather, and turn all our ingenuities and resourcements to its fulfilment. If it is possible, we shall grant it. We have never failed yet. After all, we have moved cities in pursuit of desire. I fear to be immodest, but our capabilities are significant."
The Deck is, at first, very normal. Until, as Pages says, “the unfortunate business of expense, deadly journeys, etcetera, can begin."
"They must be consecrated, naturalously, in the Kingdom of the Is-Not.”
Discuss the venue. Where is the best place to hold the Honour? “"The venue must be somewhere that all the players can agree on.” The answer to everyone's needs is Arbor.
The standard set of Cats, Rats, Bats and Hats. Then there are the trumps: the trinity of face cards which tops each suit: the Jacks, smiling and stern, the Queens, sober and wild, the Kings, magisterial and melancholy. Each face is unique to its suit, a Tiger for a Jack of Cats, a Master for a King of Bats.
First played in the Third City
The cards are a recent convention. It changes with the fashion of the cities.
Seven players, always. Every five or ten years – the date depends on certain astrological conjunctions, written in the roof.
Rules
Each hand you pay an initial ante (7 coins) and are dealt a hand of cards. You then chose to call (pay the current bet), raise (double the current bet) or fold (lose your current stake, and the hand, but bet no more coins).
Each game is played in a series of hands, during which you stake some of your First City Coins. Hands are compared, with different combinations of cards have different values. At the end of each hand, the winner takes the loser's stake. When one player's coins are gone, they lose the game. In its essence, it is not dissimilar to poker – a fact which the Custodian claims is no coincidence.
Gradually, you learn about the legal combinations of cards. How First Fall beats Second, but both are trumped by the Perfidy of Sisters. About the complex interactions between the Parliament of Rats, the Tragedy Procedure, and the Four Crowns.
On the faintest and most coyly-worded of tablets, you study the forbidden hand: the Thing in the Well, which is mentioned nowhere else, and which loses to all other hands but one.
Then you move on to the esoteric rules that govern as yet undiscovered combinations. The Conspiracies: the matching of key cards to increase their value – or decrease the value of an opponent's hand. You learn to avoid the Treachery of Seven, which renders aces lower than sevens. You struggle to understand the Footsteps of Salt, a rule which has never been interpreted the same way twice.
The Thing in the Well wins only against All Manner of Things.
If you run out of coins, you can stake something else. If your opponent accepts, you may play one more hand. All or nothing. They call it the Chance.
rules forbid excessive drunkenness unless the Debauchery of Fourth is in play
Mr Pages
Pages fucking HATES the monkey.
Literally moves into your house, drinks all your wine and calls you a bitch.
Really likes Roquefort Cheese. This is important Lore.
Inquire after Mr Pages' own heart's desire: Normally, it would be unwilling to divulge information of a personal nature. But under the influence of uncanny musics, the Masters sometimes let something slip.
Mr Pages, in your drawing room, waltzes clumsily to the aerological sympthony. You watch, carefully, as it performs some soaring dance of heavens long since abandoned. Beneath its robes, shapes stir and bulge, as if trying to break through the cloth. Are those wings?
"Home," it says, it's voice slurred, "I want to see the stars again."
Mr Pages' approach is brutally successful, and First City coins teeter in stacks at its elbow. It raises aggressively, pushing rivals into situations where they stake more than they should. Then it folds, leaving others locked in bidding wars they daren't lose. Then, when it has a strong hand, Pages pursues it relentlessly, driving up the pot and turning routs into slaughters. Its victories are infrequent, but Pages only cares about comparative success. All it cares about is staying one coin ahead.
Beats the Monkey but offers him a Chance if he has something to bet. The Monkey bets you. Pages instantly accepts. And loses to the monkey.
Now hang on a minute— you protest, but Pages raises a talon. "Quiet please! It is inapproprisiderate for the stake to speak. The Chance has been offered and accepted. One more round; all or nothing."
Cards are drawn, discarded, drawn again. The Monkey does not stand on ceremony now; there is no showmanship. It calmly puts down a straightforward Ascension of Cats: the three, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine. Pages stares. It contorts beneath its robes. "I offer a Chance of my own!" it screeches, in panic. The Monkey shakes its head, but Pages persists. "Name a price! A flask of Hesperidean Cider! A vial of my own blood! The very robe from my back!"
The Monkey hesitates. It is obviously tempted. To disrobe a Master, to expose its true nature here, before Londoners... But no. The Monkey keeps its eyes on the prize. It picks its nose, dismissively. Thwarted, Pages emits a strangled noise, and jerks spasmodically to its feet. "Impuderagous!" it squeaks, and hurls its cards across the room before sweeping from the Helmsman.
Publishes a bunch of poems about how much monkeys suck.
Confirmed crime is Truth-Strangling.
The Manager
Ask about the Manager's heart's desire: The Manager offers a hungry phantom of a smile. "Cities are odd beasts, don't you find? One can never tell where one begins."
"My needs are simplicity itself. I want a bright diamond. I will make it my heart and grow from there into something strange and wild. Like my beloved. I will carry the seed of a new city. Perhaps I could be of sandstone and gold. That would look very splendid, don't you think?"
The Manager's style is infuriatingly languid. He considers his hand minutely before every bid. When he raises, he counts his coins with plodding deliberation before committing them. And then, half the time, he reveals he has nothing better than a Remorse of Sisters or a Roser's Retreat! Except, apparently, when someone thinks they have him figured out and calls his bluff, only to walk right into a Peace of Hell or an Black Glass Mirror. The Manager likes to keep his opponents guessing.
Uses Nightmares against his opponents.
You can choose to win one of his Brass Buttons or the Topsy King’s Mind when you beat him.
A Bright Brass Button: You won it from the Manager of Royal Beth during a game of the Marvellous. It is a key to a secret back door allowing you to leave his hotel. And it is very, very shiny. [Weapon; Watchful +3, Bizarre +2, Glasswork +1]
Your Monkey
The Monkey appears to be asleep, but you are certain it is a ruse. You think it's trying to put the other players off their game. It snores loudly when Virginia is deciding whether to raise. It chatters its teeth as the Bishop rearranges his cards, upsetting his train of thought. And whenever Mr Pages lays down a card, the Monkey noisily breaks wind.
The Monkey is guilty against Hell and the Chain (only ascension is permitted)
The Monkey used to be Gregory Beechwood, and previously won the Marvelous. His desire had been to become an ape because he believed aps were better than humans. He now regrets it. A lot.
His current Heart’s Desire is to end the Marvelous forever.
Beechwood's argument was that man once existed in a state of grace: its present form a devolution. That pristine state was to be found in the form of the ape. One of the players of the Marvellous just so happens to be a monkey – your Monkey, to be precise.
The Monkey gives you a wink, then darts a glance at Pages' now useless mountain of remaining coins. Was that the play? To tempt Pages into giving up his stake advantage? To even the odds by risking everything on a single hand? With you as the prize? Well, it could have bl__dy asked!
Wins against Pages, but not before hesitating when Pages offers its own robes for a Chance of its own.
Your final opponent is your own monkey.
Virginia
She is very, very mad at you.
Ask about Virginia's own heart's desire: An old desire, renewed. Virginia gives you the thinnest smile you have ever seen. "Sanctuary," she says, in a voice as soft as bare feet on snow. She looks away, indicating the end of the discussion.
Virginia sets a strategy early and holds to it come hell or high water. She trusts to the deck, discarding reliable cards in the hope of a high-scoring combination. But the cards aren't her friend tonight. The best she can manage is a Brace of Hats, then a String of Rats. But every now and again, it pays off. When it looks like she's within inches of constructing a Great Chain, Mr Pages folds hurriedly. A few rounds later a six-card Mirrorcatch wins back her losses. If her fortunes change, her approach might bear fruit.
Loses to your Monkey.
Kills you so you can meet the Boatman. Is like really excited to do it. "I've been waiting for this...." Virginia arrives at your lodgings promptly. She passes a cursory glance over the instruments of death you've neatly laid out for her (to furnish your own demise.) "Thank you, my dear," she says, "But I shan't be needing those." She advances on you, wearing her sharpest smile. Mercifully, you do not remember the rest.
The Bishop
Ask about the Bishop's own heart's desire: The Bishop smiles, though he is no longer looking at you, instead off into some middle distance. "South," he says at last, his voice low as though thickened with honeyed wine. "To be forgiven. To be welcomed. To end all these darkened days of wandering. To taste sweet fruit upon my tongue and walk in pastures gold. I would lie down upon that splendid glade like cloth of emerald and feel my cares mist away, like dew on a cold morning. And I would not walk there alone. I would open the gates, and lay a path so that others could follow, those who knew the signs." Thin tears streak his face.
The Bishop's style is cautious. He prefers reliable hands, and rarely raises. He watches his pile of coins hawkishly, as though they might abandon the table of their own volition. Still, after a few rounds you think you have discerned a pattern: every three or four rounds he finds his courage, and plays to the end regardless of his hand.
Loses to you or the Manager depending on how you faired in the Honor.
Topsy King
Doesn’t seem to remember why he plays. Staked his mind against the Manager to stay in the game and lost. The Manager now keeps his mind.
He favours esoteric combinations and rare exceptions. He invokes the Treachery of Sevens, the Heart-Catcher's Promise, and the Embarrassment of Swans. He constructs elaborate Conspiracies from low-numbered cards, and disposes of kings and queens like a guillotine. He is having a good night, winning a steady trickle of coins from the other players. But his weak point is the Manager, who always seems to know what the Topsy King is holding.
Loses to you or the Manager depending on how you faired in the Honor.
You have won back the Topsy King's mind. You should return it to him. Even if it is sometimes a lizard.
You restored it to him. He will never be as he was, but nor is he entirely what he became. Some of the time he is the Topsy King; sometimes he is Tristram
The Thief-Oath of Tristram Bagley: You restored some of his lost mind, and the Topsy King will forever be in your debt. He will always owe you a favour, and you will always have a friend in a high place. [Affiliation; Shadowy +1, Dreaded +1, Bizarre +1, Mithridacy +1, Visiting Tristram Bagley +1]
October
Previous Winner.
The Calendar Council is composed of twelve members: each opposes the purview of one of the Masters.
"October achieved her goal and vacated the Council. But she remains one of twelve – a successor has not been chosen. She must mean to, however, so we must assume she is somewhere that the Masters cannot reach but the Council can. Which suggests – ah. Yesterday's Clerestory."
"I asked for my dreams to come true, and the Masters arranged certain accommodations with the powers of the Is-Not."
"The Masters didn't know who I really was, of course. I spent years constructing a false identity in order to join the Marvellous. Virginia saw through it, but did not expose me. Not that I'd have let her." October smiles bright as a falling star. "Afterwards, I used my reward to cast one of the Masters in a prison of its own failures." October sighs wistfully, "I understand that most of them have had second thoughts about the game since then."
Won and killed Mirrors.
The Boatman
A previous Winner
At last, he answers in his creaking voice. "A replacement. I grow weary." His voice echoes in the hollowness of his skull. "My desire was granted, but difficult to arrange. An appropriate substitute did not exist; therefore one had to be born." The Boatman punts the craft further into the centre of the river.
"They should be of age now. And yet." The Boatman's gaze is briefly reflected in the water, dark empty sockets lost in the darkness. "Perhaps there has been a complication." His voice cracks, a splinter of melancholic menace.
His Amused Lordship
A previous Winner.
His Lordship tells you of his heart's desire. "Damn fool game. I only played to rescue a damn fool friend. Well, friend undersells it rather a lot. She wouldn't be pleased to hear me describe her so. They have such terrible foul language on Mutton Island." His Lordship smiles wistfully. "She was on a dark path, a seeker of that which shouldn't be sought. I played the game to win her back."
Won and freed Mrs Plenty from Seeking.
Mr Hearts
Created the Marvelous in the Third City because the Masters were bored. Lord of Blood in the Third City
Is fat!!! Bulky!! Big!!
Flies you to the top of the tower!!
Has red eyes.
Final Match
Takes place deep in the Bazaar. Literally in the Bazaar’s heart.
The Masters all gather and hang from the ceiling to watch.
Visions of different outcomes assault both of you with the beat of the heart.
Visions of Power: You feel the slow stretching in your bones. Your organs, persistently rearranging themselves into superior configurations. You cast off your robes to stretch your new arched wings, wide enough to break the sky.
The Bazaar opens all of its seven doors to you: the other Masters welcome you to a spire of your own. In the innermost chambers, you let fall your robe and allow your magnificent wings to spread—
Visions of Love: Adoring eyes locked with yours. The heat of a fierce embrace, beating heart to beating heart. Two lives, completed by each other. A love that inspires and consumes.
You play with a poet's ardour and mastery of form. The cards want you to win; they adore you. A rare Adoration of Days; a timely Anchorite of Norwich. Your opponent, meanwhile, is struck by these visions more powerfully than those of yesterday. Tears glisten on his hairy cheeks. His paws shake. He still plays a string of lucky, desperate hands, but you're able to win back some of your coins before the day is through.
Visions of Time: You see yourself defying time (the greatest of thieves), and living hale and healthy into a new age of the world. An endless future, to make of which what you want. And not just time for you, but for others, too. The theft of the sixth city deferred. London's lifespan is prolonged, gleaming like the Neath's darkest jewel.
The heart shows you a New Empire, its dawn-ships conquering territories across the zee. It shows you the Sixth City – a colony of the Fifth – suspended in chains from the Neath's ceiling. You see yourself, centuries hence, on a throne of roses in the Eighth City after the Treachery of Arbor; and then you leading the leagues of Hell against the Ninth— In each vision, you dedicate a handful of years to planning your next move in the Marvellous.
Visions of Escape: Escape from London, escape from the Neath. You see the glow of a rising sun across the length of a horizon; feel the playful touch of wind in your hair; smell the scent of fresh-fallen snow, sharp and crisp; hear the relentless chatter of birds, clear in a blue sky.
You lose, but invoke your Chance, staking something. Either your profession, your destiny or a single penny. (if you don't have a penny you can borrow one from Hearts.)
You win, then. But Beechwood, your monkey, wishes to stake his own Chance.
Accept his Chance: He stakes all that is left of himself. The remainder of his humanity. And then places a losing hand on purpose. He turns feral and runs off, unable to deal with being trapped in the game as a monkey any longer.
Decline his Chance: Beechwood has drawn away. You can see him wringing his paws together, compulsively. His eyes are haunted. He knows that – in a few years' time, when the false-stars align – he must play the Marvellous again.
Your Desire
Mr Hearts speech: "Colleagues, we are gathered (save for Mr Pages, who is excluded for reasons of a conflict of interest) to fulfil our sacred duty. This creature–" here, it gestures at you, "–has proven victorious in the Marvellous and earned their heart's desire!"
There is polite, scattered applause.
You take the time to look around. The walls are adorned with calendars – some of them follow earthly dating systems, others do not – and maps. The workbenches are covered with indecipherable apparatus. A set of heavy red books stands on a shelf. You can make out the black-lettered title of the nearest: 'The Tragedy Procedures Vol. VII.'
"Here," Mr Hearts tells you, "is where we perform our greatest works. This is where we ascertained how to purchase London, and how to accomplish the small request Her Majesty required in exchange. Thus far, no request has been beyond us. Now, if you would do us the honour, tell us your heart's desire. We shall do all in our power to grant it."
Power: You want to be one of them, a Master of the Bazaar – terrible, glorious, magnificent.
Another argument follows, this one not about whether but about how. There is some debate as to your bailiwick and whether this can be a purely titular bestowal. It cannot. Spices and Hearts begin to mix steaming concoctions at one of the workbenches. Mr Veils measures you for a robe.
In the end, Hearts approaches you. "It is decided. You will be Mr Cards."
Love: There is a long silence. "The problem, oh perspicacious, indeed brilliant, victor of our game," Spices says in its sibilant whisper, "is that despite our very best efforts – and I do not wish to disparage our dear Mr Fires in saying this – we cannot manufacture love." Fires only grunts.
"Does it have to be true love?" Wines interjects, thoughtfully. "There are approximations that, as far as we can tell, are indistinguishable in all meaningful ways—"
"We are not all convinced," Hearts cuts in, "That true love even exists. Certainly, we have yet to isolate it. But! Happily, we can offer something better: adoration. Celebration! The whole city, united in recognition of your evident magnificence. Fame, and of course, glory."
Choose something else. Choose something that is not love.
The Masters have no idea what love really is.
Adoration: To be known by all. To be admired. To be worshipped! In every mind of the city will live a shining image of you, perfect, pristine, and permanent. A collective sigh of relief from the Masters. Adulation, adoration, envy – all these can be readily manufactured.
Time: Long life – not just for you, but London, too. Eventually, the Masters will require a Sixth City. But London is your home, and you would want to defer that day as long as possible.
"This means London, in its entirety, is technically yours. We shall not," it says, raising a claw to the other Masters, "seek the Sixth until all reasonable hope for the Fifth is lost. These are our terms: this your prize."
How long have you bought for the city? Years? Decades? Centuries? More than it had, certainly. You look around at its familiar, grimy streets; the poignant, flickering glow of its gaslamps; the people hurrying by to jobs and appointments, oblivious to the fact that you have saved them from a fate that has befallen four other cities. Perhaps London itself is your heart's desire. And a reckoning has been postponed.
Escape: You want to walk on the Surface again. You want nothing less than the sun, the sea, and the stars – the real stars!
Eventually, between them, they reach a proposal. Mr Hearts presents it to you. "There are certain laws that are, unfortunately, beyond us. The capriciousness of sunlight is one. Were you to return to the Surface there is every chance the sunlight might kill you, and there is nothing we could do to prevent it. However, there are places where the sun is only an occasional visitor."
Mr Fires unrolls a map of the Surface, and stabs a claw into the top of it. "We will build you a home. Here. The sun is absent there nearly half a year at a time. The location looks to be somewhere in the arctic circle. Habitable, but hardly clement.
Your Defeat
Yes, you can let the monkey win.
The Marvellous is over. In fact, if Beechwood is true to his word, it is over forever.
The Monkey asks you to come with him to get his reward.
A pair of Masters carries you and the Monkey – Hearts for him and Iron for you. Membranous wings rip through their robes, and with a beat you are lifted aloft, borne to the highest chamber in the Bazaar.
You tell them the Monkey’s desire is to end the Marvelous for good. Hearts is very upset but Stones argues that after the ‘Mirrors Incident’ it should have been ended.
"It would be a shame," purrs Spices. "The Marvellous has been terribly diverting, and the days are so very long." Sympathetic murmurs from the other Masters.
"Enough, Our truest currency, colleagues, is our word." Mr Wines is speaking, now. "This is entirely in the rules as you established them, Mr Hearts. It's hardly the monkey's fault."
"I must strongly object!" splutters Hearts.
'NOTED.' reads another note from Mr Iron. 'AND IGNORED.'
Item Rewards
Marvellous Monkey: A monkey, once called Gregory Beechwood, who achieved his heart's desire, regretted it, and (with your aid) brought about an end to the Masters' preferred entertainment, though it cost him everything. [Companion; Watchful +5, Persuasive +5, A Player of Chess +1, Dangerous -1]
The Robe of Mr Cards: The robe is huge and concealing, and glistens like wormskin. It contains an ingenious framework, which grants its wearer the profile and stature of a Master of the Bazaar. 'Mr Cards,' of course, is you. Every month you call at the Ormolu Door of the Bazaar, and are taken inside to undergo various painful but improving procedures. Already you have grown a few inches, though your posture suffers. Your ears are lengthening. And one day – one bold, magnificent day – those nubs on your shoulder blades will be wings. [Clothes; Persuasive +11, Dreaded +2, Artisan of the Red Science +1]
Newly-Cast Crown of the City of London: Fresh-forged from authentic starlight (carried from the High Wilderness in the Bazaar's vaults) this magnificent crown denotes your position as Regent of London. It heavily implies that you are in the line of succession, and gleams like the promise of power. It has been made to your exact size, for it will only ever adorn your head. The Masters have promised you that. [Hat; Persuasive +13, Respectable +2, Mithridacy +1]
A Leasehold on All of London: This is the very contract by which Her Majesty agreed to sell London to the Masters. It is a labyrinth of legal complexity and metaphysical demarcation – partly written in English, partly in Latin, and partly in the Correspondence. As a result, it is best stored in a fireproof steel tube. The text has been meticulously amended in order to extend the 'guaranteed period' in which 'it is prohibited for the previously-specified parties to arrange the replacement, abdication, or discontinuation of London' in favour of 'any other metropolis of comparable significance and succulence.' The exact duration of the extension is not specified: as with all the best legal precedent, it makes much hay of the word 'reasonable' – 'for a reasonable period,' 'to a reasonable observer,' and so on. No doubt some lucky court will be expected to work out the details at a future point. A final, recent clause specifies that the owner of this leasehold (that's you) is entitled to a monthly stipend of revivifying peach brandy to 'further and ensure that party's longevity and rude health.' [Home Comfort; Shadowy +10, Respectable +2, A Player of Chess +1]
A Palatial Holiday Home in the Arctic Circle: A Surface mansion of your own, dappled in genuine moonlight. It enjoys commanding views of dense pine forests, and basks in the infinite hues of the Aurora Borealis. The mansion is only accessible via a secret funicular connecting to the Travertine Spiral. When the sun is absent, for several months of the year, you can travel there and breathe fresh air, and hear birds, and walk in real, new-fallen snow. [Home Comfort; Watchful +10, Bizarre +2, Mithridacy +1]
The Marvellous: This deck – consecrated at the Root of Need – was used in the ancient and treacherous game known as the Marvellous. Player after player was broken upon it. But since you forsook your heart's desire, proving you were not subject to your own wants, the cards have been obedient. Now, they anticipate your needs, and seem eager to please. When you play with them it's as if they're speaking to you. Via their oblique language of numbers, faces and combinations, they hint of broader, grander games played behind the skin of the world. [Weapon; Persuasive +13, Bizarre +2, A Player of Chess +1]
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My Current Skincare Routine
I believe in investing in your skin because it's going to represent you for a very long time. As much as I love wearing makeup, I’d still wanna look natural on the outside. But I also want to go out in public and not wear that much makeup. That’s why I'm a big believer that if you focus on your skincare, you really won't need a lot of makeup. Skincare is self-care.
Just a background story of my skin lol.
This is me back in High School.
Back when I was in high school (the puberty period), I literally have no problem with my skin. I never had any kind of breakout the whole high school life, and for that, I considered myself lucky. I don’t know if it’s in our genes or what, but I think my irregular period explained why I don't break out? I'm not sure hehe.
But when I stepped into college, that’s when I started having cystic acne, just once every month. I noticed my skin reacts in a different environment than I’m used to. Like when I was in college, I was studying in Manila. Manila is known for its air pollution because of traffic congestion. I have also found out that the water in Manila has chlorine, and I feel like my skin gets irritated, and that causes acne or breakout.
My brother who lives in South Korea sent a lot of skin care products. ca. 2017
I started using skincare products when I was in college, but mostly it's just facial wash, toner, and moisturizer. Then 3 years ago, I started putting serum on my face, a sheet mask or clay mask, and my skin feels so good after. My face feels so hydrated and the product that I used which is Innisfree works for me.
April 2018
RECENT BREAKOUT STORY (2020)
Ever since this pandemic and lockdown happened, I started breaking out. My skin became super oily, I thought maybe it was just the heat because it was summer then. I update my skincare, and nothing seems to work on me. And then I thought, maybe it was a hormonal imbalance, so I started taking pills for two months, still not working. The worst part of it, my pimples are cystic. Before, whenever I get a pimple it was just once every month. But now, when one pimple heals, there's another one comes, and they're mostly on my T-zones, which is the oiliest part of my face. I was so stressed about it, so I decided to see a Dermatologist at Cutis Essentials. Take note: this is my first time seeing and consulting a Dermatologist.
In order for the Doctor to treat me, she asked me a bunch of questions like, what kind of product do I use, she asked about my skin history and family history, and if I am taking some medicines or vitamins, and so on. And from that, I have learned that too much Vitamin E, B6, and B12 can cause acne. I have never taken any kind of vitamins in my whole adult life because I hate drinking medicines, but since there's a virus spreading all over the world, killing millions of people, I started taking it to boost my immune system. She gave me an oral medicine called Doxycycline and Epiduo Gel that dries up my acne. I stopped taking my pills and multivitamins and just stick to Vitamin C. I also stopped using this cleanser St. Ives Apricot Scrub and switch to a more mild facial cleanser. And hurrah, I finally see a good result. My face started clearing up little by little, and the oiliness lessens a bit. All I need to do is to get rid of my dark spots, which takes time.
The thing with doing your skincare routine, you have to stick with it consistently. And I gotta admit, there are days that I'm so lazy to do it and just skip some steps. Like sometimes I just removed my makeup, washed it, then put some toner to clean the excess dirt, then I'm done. That's my slacky routine. Don't do it hehe.
I did a one week sheet mask challenge and my skin feels so good after. I definitely recommend this product that I got from BeautyMnl. It’s called Superfood Coconut Salad Mask Package from the brand Farm Skin. Last pic on the lower right, that’s The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.
youtube
A video of my skincare routine. Sorry if it’s a bit confusing LOL. I’ll make a better video next time hehe.
MY CURRENT SKINCARE ROUTINE & HOW TO LAYER PRODUCTS:
I want to be clear, I am not a dermatologist or esthetician, but this method has worked for me. If your skin is irritated, I recommend hitting the reset button and start from scratch. Try introducing new products one at a time and use it consistently for a few days to see if it's working for you. Also, try to learn more about what your skin needs. Like if you have dry skin, moisturizer and hydrate i every day. If you have an oily skin like me, try to lessen the products that’s very greasy, and don’t use it during the day. Just stick with light moisturizer. It is a little bit of a process and takes time, but once you have it figured out, your skincare routine will be on autopilot, and your skin will look better and better.
Here are the products that I am currently using:
FACIAL CLEANSER
Brand: COSRX
AC Collection Foaming Cleanser
Cosrx is a Korean product. This gentle foam cleanser fights acne. It manages excess oil, without stripping skin of essential moisture. With BHA to exfoliate, lauric acid to provide antibacterial support, and centella ingredients to soothe, this creamy cleanser clears skin while keeping irritation at bay. | I have been using this for 3 months now and the brand works on me. My skin feels so soft after using this.
TONER
Brand: COSRX
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Formulated with AHA, BHA and purifying botanical ingredients, the AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner works to soothe, refresh and soften the skin. It is effective for hydrating evening skin tone and texture, and it’s a mild exfoliation. | This toner for me is very gentle and it doesn’t sting and harsh like the other toner that I used before.
MOISTURIZER
Brand: COSRX
AC Collection Light Weight Soothing Moisturizer
This cream moisturizer provides light, non-sticky hydration for acne-prone skin. Made with asiatic acid, niacinamide, and zinc salt, it calms and strengthens skin’s moisture barrier while controlling excess oil. | I love this moisturizer! It’s not greasy so it’s okay to use it during the day because it’s fast-absorbing.
SERUM
Brand: THE ORDINARY
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary comes from Canada. A high-strength vitamin- and mineral-packed formula to minimize the look of blemishes. Contains a high 10% concentration of niacinamide (vitamin B3); reduces the appearance of spots, marks, and congestion; supported by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity. | I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about this product so I tried it, and the brand works for me. It just really takes time to lighten up my dark spots but it works.
EXFOLIATION
Brand: THE ORDINARY
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
A 10-minute liquid mask treatment that exfoliates to visibly improve skin texture and tone. This product goal is to enhance brightness, even out skin, and decongest pores; exfoliates the topmost epidermal surface; helps fight visible blemishes for improved radiance; reduces the look of fine lines with continued use. | Take note: this peeling solution stings for a few sec, but it’s tolerable. Read the instruction first before using this product. When I first used this, I noticed my skin feels like a glass skin, like it looks healthy. I was expecting my face to peel, but it didn’t. I only use this 2-3x a week or whenever my skin needs it.
PROTECTION
Brand: THE ORDINARY
Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone
Helps reverse multiple signs of skin aging with vitamin C, an effective antioxidant; naturally brightens and refines tone and texture; feels smooth on the skin thanks to very light silicones despite the suspension format of the formulation. | I just recently purchased this and I think it’s a great add for my skincare routine to reduce all the blemishes on my face and fights skin aging because well, I’m not getting any younger anymore. This one is a bit greasy so I only use this in the evening, and it has an off smell but fades away for a few sec.
CLAY MASK
Brand: INNISFREE
Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X
Innisfree is a Korean product. Features 2x more powerful adherence to sebum for intensive pore care; provides triple exfoliation from encapsulated Jeju volcanic scoria, walnut shell powder, and AHA; enhanced deep cleansing formula removes away fine dust particles, pore-clogging dirt, and dead skin cells; provides powerful sebum-absorbing capacity as it washes away impurities while moisturizing and brightening skin; leaves a cooling sensation when applied that refreshes pores. | I have been using the 1.0 version of this for 3 years, which is the Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask without 2x. I super love this clay mask because this brighten up my dark spots so fast. I only use this 2-3x a week or whenever my face needs it. I recommend this product.
SHEET MASK
Brand: INNISFREE
My Real Squeeze Mask
These face masks are dew-licious skin treats that target your skin's unique concerns and bump your entire routine up a notch. | So Innisfree has a lot of sheet mask that can be tailored to your skin's daily needs. All I can say that whenever I use this sheet mask, my face feels so hydrated, and fresh. It’s an instant boost for my skin. So every time my face looks so dry and dull, I use this product.
LASH BOOST
Brand: SKIN GENIE
Hair Growth Booster
Skin Genie is a Philippine product. This nourishing clear serum is the answer to fuller brows and lashes. It helps minimize hair loss, prevent breakage, and prime the strands for healthier regrowth. | This product smells so good and I noticed that my lashes became more stronger, longer, and a bit thicker. It will just take times but it works its magic. I put this if I’m about to sleep because the serum goes inside my eyes and kinda sting a little bit.
LIP CARE
Brand: VASELINE
Lip Therapy
A lip-healing jelly with a mouthwatering chocolate fragrance for silky, supple lips. Clinically proven to moisturize chapped lips; instantly softens and soothes dryness and flaking; locks in moisture to help lips recover from discomfort; leaves a healthy, glossy shine; non-sticky formula glides on smoothly. | My lips get dry very easily, and it always turned chapped. Before I go to sleep, I always make sure to put some of this and viola, the next morning my lips feel so soft and hydrated. I used cocoa butter at night, then I use rosy lips during the day whenever I put my makeup on, and they smell so good.
MOISTURIZER
Brand: NATURE REPUBLIC
Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel
A hydrating and cooling gel containing 92% pure aloe vera. Gently moisturizes all skin types, including sensitive skin; soothes and refreshes dry, dehydrated, inflamed, and sunburnt areas; firms skin and naturally protects with vitamins C, E, and other minerals; fast-absorbing gel won’t leave a greasy feel; can be used on hair, face, and body as a moisturizer, mask, and/or sleeping pack | I super love this product. I have been using this for more than 2 years now and it does wonder on my skin. I use it on my hair and body too.
ANTI-ACNE GEL
Brand: GALDERMA
Epiduo Gel (Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide) 0.1%/2.5%
Epiduo is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Acne Vulgaris. Epiduo may be used alone or with other medications. Epiduo belongs to a class of drugs called Acne Agents, Topical Combos. | This gel is pricey, and this was prescribed to me by my Dermatologist. I still use this whenever I have acne, and it dries up my acne fast.
ACNE PATCH
Brand: COSRX
Acne Pimple Master Patch
This is the original set of hydrocolloid stickers that comes with three different sizes to spot-correct pimples. It heals intensively overnight, protecting problem areas from infection and brings out deep-rooted blemishes without leaving behind scars. Slap a patch on your breakouts for instant relief away from bacteria. This will stop the insane urge to pick at your skin and pop your pimples. It’s made with A.D.F. hydrocolloid dressing, a unique material that helps extract gunk from stubborn zits and speeds up their life cycle. | I absolutely love this patch. I use this in the evening whenever I have a very bad acne. TIP: I use the Epiduo Gel first, applied it on my acne, and then let it dry first before putting the patch. I promise, the next day your acne heals so fast! But sometimes, if it's cystic, it will take a few try like 2-3 patch every night.
ACNE PATCH
Brand: LUXE ORGANIX
Hydrocolloid Acne Spot Patch Night Time
When patched to acne; it increasingly absorbs the pus and oil to reduce inflammation and fasten the healing process. This brand is from Korea. | This product works well on me too, plus it contains more patches than Cosrx. Cosrx isn't available in most stores here in Bataan, so I have to order it online. I just go to Watson and buy this, which is very convenient for me.
CLEANSER
Soft Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush
Gently scrub your face with this along with the Foaming Cleanser, it is easy to use. It is great for getting rid of dirt and clogged up skin. I noticed that after I wash my face with full on makeup, it get rids all the excess makeup and dirt that you have on your face because whenever I apply my toner, you can’t barely see any dirt. You better get one of this. I got mine from Watson, and it is very affordable.
FACIAL MASSAGE
Brand: BE KIND
Jade Facial Roller + Guasha Set
This beauty tool duo will renew fatigued skin in just a few cooling strokes. Made from 100% authentic jade, each tool is uniquely designed for restorative facial massages. Not only do these tools boost product absorption, they also offer different types of massages. The roller stimulates lymphatic drainage that reduces puffiness, while the gua sha relieves tense facial muscles. When used together, they liven up dull skin for a fresh, well-rested look. | Sadly, I broke my jade roller, but I am getting one soon. Make sure that before you use this tool, put it first on the freezer for a few minutes, and it feels so good, I swear! I used the jade roller whenever I put on my sheet mask. While I used guasha whenever I put on my moisturizer because it glides really well when your skin is moisturize.
OIL CONTROL
Brand: THE FACE SHOP
Oil Blotting Films
Contains 50 silky-soft blotting sheets; made with excellent oil-absorbing 3M film; works to absorb excess sebum; leaves skin looking fresh and grease-free. | I read that if you have oily skin and you're wearing makeup, don't put on another layer of powder just to get rid of the oiliness on your face. Instead, use this oil-blotting film to remove all the oil before retouching your makeup. It's a helpful way not to clog your pores and for your makeup not to look cakey.
More skincare products that works on me but I don’t use it anymore:
MOISTURIZER
Brand: DRUNK ELEPHANT
Protini™ Polypeptide Cream
Protini’s proprietary formula restores younger, revived-looking skin, almostfrom the first application. Lines, wrinkles, and signs of sun damage appearreduced, and skin feels strengthened and moisturized. | I only have the sample bottle of this because this brand is a little expensive but I heard a lot of good reviews on this. It’s a bit thick for my taste, so I make sure to wear this at night and not under my makeup, that’s only if you have oily skin.
SHEET MASK
Brand: FARMSKIN
Superfood Coconut Salad Mask Package
A set of 7 sheet masks that leaves your skin brighter, hydrated, and more youthful. Nourish, moisturize, and illuminate skin with this set of sheet masks formulated with a combination of superfoods and colostrum ingredient. | First time using this product, and so far, it doesn't have any negative reaction on my skin since they used organic ingredients on their products. Farmskin has different kinds of sheet mask packages, and it is tailored depends on your skin's daily needs. This package is for brightening and hydrating my face since I need to get rid of my blemishes and dark spots.
FACIAL OIL
Brand: HERES B2UTY
Tea Tree Oil Serum
A multi-benefit serum that clarifies your complexion. Treats acne and soothes redness and swelling with tea tree oil; enriched with green tea, which contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory catechins to hydrate and regulate excess oil production; fades spots, eliminates acne scars, and protects against free radicals with chamomile, a powerhouse antioxidant; improves moisture levels as it minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles with rose hip oil; alleviates irritation as it tightens skin with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory witch hazel; draws moisture to skin with hyaluronic acid to revitalize skin’s outer layers; plumps, restores, and renews to instantly improve the appearance of fine lines. | When I started using this, I thought it was to prevent me from having acne. This oil doesn't work on my acne though, but it lessens the oiliness on my face. I just don't use it very often because I'm so lazy or sometimes I forgot. LOL
TONER
Brand: ESKINOL
Spotless White Classic Cleanser
Eskinol provides products which are specifically formulated for the Filipina skin. Its range of products is known to effectively solve oily skin problems and pimples. Removes deep-seated dirt, excess oil, and makeup with micro-cleanse anti-bacterial formula. Pure Calamansi extracts known to whiten skin. It has vitamin C derivatives to help lighten dark spots in as early as 1 week for an even skin tone. | This product is classic and very effective that's why until now it's still here, unlike other brands being discontinued in the market. I have been using this since college, but later on this particular calamansi formula is more effective on me, while the other formula doesn't work on me.
BUYING THESE PRODUCT SOON:
PROTECTION
Brand: COSRX
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++
An aloe-infused moisturizing sunscreen for dehydrated skin. Protects skin from ultraviolet rays and other environmental damages with SPF50 PA+++ | I’m reading a lot of good reviews about this product, so I am adding this to my cart now hehe.
EYE CREAM
Brand: NEUTROGENA
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream
Help improve the signs of skin aging with Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream. Specially formulated for the delicate eye area, the fast-acting retinol cream helps fade the look of stubborn crow's feet, brightens and evens skin tone in the under-eye area, helps smooth fine lines and texture, and reduces the look of dark circles. This clinically proven retinol formula works quickly with visible results in just one week. | It says that this is the best eye cream for 2020 so let’s see if it’s going to work on my eyes hehe.
Whew! That was a lot of information. I hope you find this helpful and give your skin the love it deserves. If you have any questions or suggestion please don’t be afraid to say it to me. Til next time!
Love Lots,
Jamie ♡
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I got tagged by @oediebees, thanks, these are fun! and I’ll tag umm @lavellanhunter @serphena @midnightprelude if y’all feel like it
1. What is the color of your hairbrush?
curly hair don’t care (I don’t brush my hair I comb it in the shower sometimes...the comb is blue)
2. A food you never eat?
Meat, dairy.... a bunch of things that hurt my tummy (except I eat them anyway oops)
3. Are you typically too warm or too cold?
I run pretty cold. Poor circulation lyfeeee
4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago?
Hangin with the bae learning about ancient history because we are nerds.
5. What is your favorite candy bar?
like chocolate bar? I can’t eat chocolate and it makes me sad. I bought a vegan white chocolate bar at the health food store a while ago for like 5$ it was good but like. it was also five whole dollars.
6. Have you ever been to a professional sporting event?
NHL game once. There was a fight on the ice and then in the stands XD
7. What was the last thing you said out loud?
“Love you, bee” yes we are very cute thank
8. What is your favorite ice cream?
Stop asking me about things I’m not allowed to eat waah. I bought vegan icecream and it made me sick also lol so literally just. let’s go with rainbow sherbert. (it used to be cookie dough ice cream stop doing this to me)
9. What was the last thing you had to drink?
Water
10. Do you like your wallet?
My best friend and I bought matching star wars wallets a couple years ago and we both still use them so yeah. it’s got the millennium falcon on it and it came with a keychain that I eventually gave to a kid at work.
11. What was the last thing you ate?
Leftover veggie stir fry with black beans! I made it yesterday and it was pretty good if I say so myself.
12. Did you buy any new clothes last weekend?
I haven’t bought any new clothes since like, October?
13. The last sporting event you watched?
uhhhhhhhhh does walking by a soccer game in the park count
14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn?
I make it with salt and nutritional yeast! and sometimes garlic too. Highly recommend.
15. Who was the last person you sent a text message to?
Actual text? Coworker.
16. Ever go camping?
As much as I can! Went every summer as a kid, and last summer went on a month long cross-country camping roadtrip. Probably won’t get to go again for a while though.
17. Do you take vitamins?
I buy them and then forget does that count
18. Do you go to church every Sunday?
I can count on one hand the number of times I have gone to a church service. And if you discount funerals then I’m pretty sure it’s...2? (and if you wanna do the thing and make it synagogue then still only for the holidays and not in years and years)
19. Do you have a tan?
Pretty sure I am actually incapable of having a tan.
20. Do you prefer Chinese food or pizza?
I probably shouldn’t be eating either. Homemade pizza with flatbread and vegan cheese is pretty good tho.
21. Do you drink your soda with a straw?
Not usually
22. What color socks do you usually wear?
I just have a large collection of various cute patterened socks with like, cats and stuff on em. Current faves are the ones that make my feets look like sharks =]
23. Ever drive above the speed limit?
speed of traffic but also, I don’t have a car so.
24. What terrifies you?
ummm the feeling you get when you’re stuck under water and think your gonna drown isn’t very fun.
25. Look to your left what do you see?
pillows, cart thing with books on it, closet.
26. What chore do you hate?
changing the cat litter kinda sucks
27. What do you think of when you hear an Australian accent?
Uh. Australia, I guess?
28. What is your favorite soda?
I’m a big fan of buying random overpriced weird flavoured drinks so probably like, the blue jones soda or something. But realistically, cream soda and gingerale.
29. Do you go into a fast food place or just hit the drive through?
I don’t have a car so. I also don’t get fast food much tho.
30. Who was the last person you talked to?
The boy!
31. Favorite cut of beef?
Literally no idea haven’t eaten it in over ten years
32. Last song you listened to?
Currently listening to “If The World Was Ending” by Gracie and Rachel, I don’t even know if I like it yet it just came on my spotify release radar thing.
...
yeah it’s aight.
33. Last book you read?
Last book I finished was the Silmarillion. Currently working my way through Jewel’s autobiography, some book on mindfulness, and Unfinished Tales.
34. Favorite day of the week?
Honestly I’m a big fan of Sundays. They’re my bread day.
35. Can you say the alphabet backwards?
Probably. Let’s not find out.
36. How do you like your coffee?
Cappuccinos are my fave but usually just strong with oatmilk and a little sugar.
37. Favorite pair of shoes?
The knee-high boots I have that lace up the back, especially since I got undue flak for em once and the spite makes it better.
38. At what time do you usually go to bed?
Time is meaningless.
39. At what time do you normally get up?
See above.
40. What do you prefer - sunrises or sunsets?
Both are nice!
41. How many blankets are on your bed?
Currently just two small soft throw blankets because it’s been hot af. One is a spiderweb one I bought in the halloween section and the other is star wars lmao.
42. Describe your kitchen plates?
Like, four matching ones that we never use, two matching ones of a different pattern, one random blue one, and a bunch of takeout container things I reuse.
43. Do you have a favorite alcoholic beverage?
Nah depends on the mood. Wine is good, ciders are good, some beers are good, and I used to bartend so making fancy cocktails is also sometimes good.
44. Do you play cards?
Only when camping and it rains.
45. Can you change a tire?
On my bike sure. Someone taught me how to change a car tire once but I wouldn’t test it.
46. What is your favorite province?
Probably British Columbia.
47. Favorite job you ever had?
The one I have now! Teaching/counselling at an elementary/jr. high school :)
48. How did you get your biggest scar?
Don’t really have any big scars. I do have a small one on my face from a kid at my old job.
49. What did you do today that made someone happy?
Had some quality hangs earlier, watched a movie, cuddled, etc.
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Story Time: POTS diagnosis
I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (or POTS, since that’s a mouthful and a half) in August of last year. It was nearing the end of my gap year, which was supposed to be a period of rest and healing, not of gaining new unwelcome symptoms and new diagnoses.
I had as usual set myself an unrealistically (in hindsight) high goal of becoming a completely healthy and abled person by the time I started university, as I simply could not wrap my head around the idea that I would be able to cope otherwise. In other words, it was get better or you will fail and never amount to anything and always be miserable – and yeah, needless to say as the time drew nearer and my body showed no signs of obeying my strict instructions, I entered more and more panic spirals of despair.
At this point I would like to return to the present to let you know that I have just finished my first year and survived my first lot of exams since the endurance test that was A-levels. Not to say that it has been easy – of course university was never going to be a walk in the park – but I have done well and I should be proud of myself.
(I know this because my mother keeps sending me postcards telling me how amazing I am. Bear in mind that she lives twenty minutes away and visits me once a week – often to hand the postcards over herself to save on postage.)
Anyway, unless you have it or know someone who does, you have probably never heard of POTS. It is essentially a problem with my blood pressure and that is what I stick to when I’m asking someone for their seat on the tube. When a normal fully-abled person stands up, their blood pressure increases slightly to account for the increased effect of gravity – mine does not and as a result my heart is forced to pump faster to keep blood going to my brain. My heart rate can increase by up to forty beats per minute just from getting up off the couch.
Symptoms include dizziness, an inability to stand up for long periods of time, nausea, headaches, fainting (though thankfully I have never experienced that one), digestive problems, fatigue (like I didn’t already have enough of that), heart palpitations (just casually in the middle of the night when you haven’t moved for hours) and even shortness of breath. Of all of these, I would have to say that the heart palpitations are the worst. They do not hurt exactly, but they are terrifying – especially before I had my diagnosis – and make it hard to breathe.
It is hard not to panic when your body is doing it’s very best to simulate a panic attack.
I have a friend whom I met online who suspected they had POTS and I’d been aware of it for some time before I started to consider whether I myself might have it too. I’ve read that about a third of those suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also have POTS so it wasn’t a wholly unlikely scenario. I had also read the NHS page for it and noted that I had many of the symptoms, however, this was not conclusive proof to me as the problem with autoimmune diseases is that the symptoms overlap a lot.
Then I started a course of birth control pills and my CFS specialist, Dr S, wanted me to take measurements of my blood pressure to check that it wasn’t causing any problems. As it turns out I have fairly low blood pressure, so there’s no risk of getting a stroke from my daily dose of oestrogen. More importantly, I noticed how my heart rate would increase far beyond normal levels if I took a reading whilst sitting down and then another after standing up. This was the proof I needed to self-diagnose.
From there on out it was a case of proving the matter, so we brought it up with Dr S and she referred us to a cardiologist.
There was a bit of a kerfuffle when we arrived at his clinic, as it turned out to be a children’s hospital, which as a nineteen year old I was theoretically not supposed to be treated at. On the bright side, there were a lot of cartoon fish on the walls. Whoever decided that adults don’t need cute animal drawings in hospitals fundamentally misunderstands what it’s like to be in a hospital.
Eventually we managed to sort the whole situation out and I was taken downstairs to have an electrocardiogram. This was to test the electrical activity of my heart – don’t ask me how that works or what exactly the point was because the science went over my head. All I can say is that it didn’t hurt and there was something oddly exciting about being hooked up to a bunch of wires. But that might just be me and all the superhero media I consume.
Then I went to meet the cardiologist, Dr D, and give him a history of my symptoms.
It had not even crossed my mind up until that point that there might be something “seriously” wrong with me, by which I mean something life threatening, so needless to say it rather came as a shock when the cardiologist did an ultrasound of my heart to check that it didn’t have any holes (and I quote). In retrospect it might have been a joke, but it certainly didn’t land well with me.
The fact that I had a cold and unpleasantly slimy machine on my chest and was lying there with only a fairly ratty, old bra to protect my modesty did not help. This again was something that had not occurred to me and I was deeply grateful for the presence of my mother in the room so that she could fill the awkward silence with small talk and I could focus on breathing normally. It is extremely strange to hear your own heartbeat sounding like a foetus’s on TV and be painfully aware of the fact that anyone around will literally be able to hear your nerves.
Ultrasound over with, chest wiped down and clothes thankfully put back on we sat down to discuss what was next. Dr D was fairly confident from my description that I did have POTS but obviously I had to go through the whole process before it could be official. In the meantime he gave us some advice about dealing with the symptoms:
1. Drink lots of water. Aim for three litres a day.
2. Eat lots of salt. Aim for ten milligrams a day.
3. Stand and sit up slowly and jiggle your legs to get the blood moving.
4. Exercise.
This I interpreted as a prescription for Pringles and an excuse to hold in the face of people who tell me to stop fidgeting. My mind happily slid over the recommendation of exercise as a “Problem for later me” A.K.A something I hoped I’d be able to put off indefinitely.
Building up muscle, fitness and stamina are all worthy things and have helped now that I’ve achieved them, but in conjunction with my CFS they have often seemed impossible goals. Also, I like sitting down.
I shall now elaborate on the third recommendation, which I follow every morning, doing a funny little dance about my room to bring my limbs to life. I pity the person who lives below me in my student accommodation… at least I am rarely up before eleven. The hilarious point about this was that Dr D took it upon himself to give us a rather long and overly serious demonstration, standing up from behind his desk and jiggling about on the spot with a completely straight face.
Both my mother and I were struggling to maintain the same level of facial control.
It was a couple of weeks before we could return to London to embark on the next step of diagnosis: getting a blood pressure monitor fitted that must then stay attached for a whole twenty hours, taking measurements on the hour every hour. This was something of a trial as I had to walk around with a bunch of thick tubing wrapped round my neck and with the machine strapped round my bicep.
I garnered a lot of stares as people must have assumed I had something serious going on. The fact that it beeped loudly and inflated with a sound like an airbed being pumped up at every measurement, did not make it inconspicuous to say the least. It also meant that I barely slept through the combination of loud noises and the clamp tightening on my arm.
I was thoroughly exhausted the next day when we went to drop it off and then continue on to a hospital in order to do the tilt test. This involves being strapped to a table which is then tilted upright from the horizontal and then being stuck there for the next twenty minutes (feels like three hours) whilst measurements of your blood pressure and heart rate are taken. I already felt ghastly but by the end of this I was ready to curl up in a ball on the floor and stay there for the rest of my life.
The doctor administering the test ran through the results with us, confirming that I had POTS – though technically we still had to wait for Dr D to give the all clear as it were – and then confidently asserting that I didn’t have CFS and certainly didn’t have any mental health problems and should stop taking my antidepressant straight away since it was all because of POTS and once I started doing some exercise I’d be fine.
Right…. Thanks Karen.
One more appointment later I had my official diagnosis. Alas, having trekked halfway across London to make this appointment, it only lasted ten minutes and mostly consisted of me being told to come back in six months when I had tried some exercise and then we’d see about medication.
We have postponed this reunion indefinitely as I have seen little change for the better – though in truth I have not gotten started on the rigorous exercise plan he had in mind – but nor is it sufficiently bad that I am in desperate need of medication.
I have found that the most useful tool in combatting my symptoms are compression garments as they help with my circulation. I have some tights, a knee support, gloves and several random bits of tubing that can be used anywhere. They reduce pain and allow me to stand up for longer.
Mod H
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* . ROSS LYNCH, TRANS MALE, HE/HIM. — looks like CYRUS GOODE is attending AURORIA UNIVERSITY in auradon. they're the TWENTY-ONE year old child of THEODORA / THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST ( ADOPTED BY GLINDA ) , which means they're from OZ . heard they're OBSERVANT & CHARMING , but can also be INSECURE & LONELY ; we all have our bad days. people normally associate them with BLACK BRIMMED HATS & DIAMOND HEADBANDS , CANDLES LIGHTING BY THEMSELVES , BLONDE HAIR WITH DARK & INGROWN ROOTS , BLACK POLISHED FINGERTIPS CLINGING TO A STAR-TIPPED WAND.
❛ dreams unwind and LOVE’S a state of mind. ❜
playlist. pinterest. to listen as you read.
yeah I cracked. I saw ‘oz’ n immediately had 2 bring my og witch child... this oc i’ve had for like, three years?? and he’s changed so much over my course of writing him bUT doing that is literally so !! fun n I’mm so excited to introduce him 2 u guys. please proceed w/ caution however bc the following contains trigger warnings for toxic relationships , manipulation , depression , and mentions of drug / alcohol / cigarette use. none I dive deeply into , but pls be cautious !!
HISTORY
He’s conceived as a product of an affair between the Witch and the Wizard - as of course , the story does start out when he first arrives in Oz and she , still kind and innocent , falls for a conman’s game. But the events that follow after spiral so quickly that she doesn’t even know she’s pregnant until everything’s over , and she gives birth in seclusion.
Well , almost seclusion.
The only person there is Glinda.
It’s slated for her crimes against Oz that she be sent to the Isle - and Glinda knows for multiple reasons that sending her child with her to the Isle of the Lost will be a horrible idea.
1.) The Isle is essentially a large prison. A child can’t be raised in a prison.
2.) All of the good that Theodora held inside of her , all of the love in her heart , was stolen and taken away from her by her wicked sister. And that’s not Theodora’s fault - but can she give a child love and affection when she’s in such a state ?? Maybe it’s possible , but it’s risky.
3.) If the child is Oscar’s , the child will have to at least have a chance of experiencing life in Oz. Even though , the Wizard has to keep up his facade.
4.) When he settles down from his crying , he looks up at Glinda with innocent , big brown eyes that she finds her heart melting for. He doesn’t sport the same green shade of skin his mother does , but his eyes are Oscar’s and his features are similar to Theodora’s before she turned wicked. And she can’t turn away a face like that.
Glinda selfishly makes the decision to hide away the child and raise him as her own - and Theodora is sent to the Isle , knowing that her baby is in the good witch’s hands and anguishly lamenting for days - until of course , he’s an afterthought.
But the baby does indeed get care from Glinda - too much , in fact. Her child is spoiled - thankfully not rotten , given that a good witch teaches her child to be a good child. And every time he talks to her , she gives him the utmost love and care a mother can give - when he discovers his identity , she’s more than willing to accept him and makes adjustments around Emerald City so everyone else knows to as well. Whenever he’s hurt or sad or sick , she refuses to leave his side so she can comfort him and protect him as much as he needs. Whenever he asks for something , if it’s not out of reason , she can’t say no. He’s spoiled - but not rotten. He’s spoiled sweet.
But Glinda can’t protect him forever - and she knows she can’t hide his real origin from him forever. He doesn’t know why he’s had such a weird allergy to water since he was little , hence why he bathes with heaps of soap and bath salts so the water becomes a solution that won’t sting. He can’t stay in the ocean for too long since the saltwater’s definitely not pure , but will hurt after a long while. And soon he’ll begin to ask questions - and Glinda prepares herself while Cyrus experiments with other means.
Boys included.
Falling for another Auradonian boy is expected , and Cyrus sees him as the perfect gentleman. But underneath the flattering words and sweet nothings lies an ulterior motive to break into Glinda’s quarters and steal her wand since his parents were followers of Evanora’s - and Glinda killed her. And before it even comes to a breaking point , the relationship grows toxic , growing more and more evident that he’s being used for not only his status in Oz , but also because of his parentage.
It finally ends when he breaks into Glinda’s palace , finding not only the wand but the crucial information that Glinda’s son is not her biological son. And when Cyrus catches him , he firstly tells Cyrus that he’s never loved him ( along with the million things he finds wrong with him that drill into the young man’s self-esteem ) and that his mother - his mother who’s done nothing but love him his entire life - has lied to him. His biological mother is a dirty criminal on the Isle , and Cyrus will probably be just like her when he gets older.
He’s thwarted , thank Oz ; but there’s enough damage already done.
Cyrus grows confused and cold - disgusted that he gave his trust away so quickly to someone so VILE , but also wondering how he could easily believe the lies from both that individual and his mother because he doesn’t get it. He doesn’t understand. And a heated argument with Glinda - probably the first awful one they’ve ever had - leads Cyrus to running away from the palace for a few days , now feeling like a good portion of his life has been a lie.
He spends his time wandering around the Emerald City - at least his mother knows he’s safe in the Emerald City , so she keeps her distance. And in the meanwhile , he researches the woman who gave birth to him to a T , reading about how she used to be so kind and sweet but then the Wizard led her to giving her heart away , and she turned wicked soon after . . .
Her story matches up with his up until the part she turns wicked , so he’s left worrying if that’ll be his fate , as well.
When he returns home , he’s become DISTANT AND ANGRY AND MOODY - while he lets his mother hug him and kiss him and tell him how much he loves her , he’s closed off still and allows himself to fall deeper into a low he can’t seem to get out of. Everything hurts. Everything hurts and nothing seems to make it better so he decides he must have to change in order to stop it. And the only way he can seemingly change is if he takes after the roots he’s only dug up now.
To try and start anew , Glinda proposes they move to Auroria. He finishes prep school and graduates at eighteen , moving onto University ; but the change of scenery means only it’s a different palace and a different area with a bunch of faces that will also probably judge him for being different. He’s always been a quiet loner of a child - and he wants it to end.
So yes , he starts going out more. And in that sense , he starts making himself more social with parties and drinking and smoking and learning to do things his mother can’t imagine. He makes a reputation for himself as a DELINQUENT as he starts to act out , getting into fights with people he disagrees with and even using that magic she taught him for petty vengeance. Also , for business - since he’s growing talented with potions and enchantments.
While maybe he’s opened back up to his mother , he’s still different. He’s no longer sweet and trusting and his heart is no longer upon his sleeve - instead , there’s a MASK , a mask of cockiness and callousness to hide the fact he still hurts , and he throws himself into discomforting situations to dedicate himself to acting like he’s someone he isn’t. And the more he plays into this , the more he wonders about who he really is , and who the identity of ‘ Cyrus Goode ’ is.
It used to be easy to answer the question , ‘ Are you a good witch or a bad witch ?? ’
Now . . . he’s not so sure. And with now people coming from where his mother lies , he’s wondering if he can figure out that answer. Especially maybe if he can fit in with people . . . like him.
CHARACTER & FACTS
So yES thank u sm for reading that super long backstory !! Again Cyrus is one of my deeply beloved OCs , he’s a rly confused boy trying to figure out who he is while also trying to convince himself he’s someone he isn’t to lessen his pain of being hurt. That being said , lemme be frank - how he is on the outside vs. how he is on the outside are two very different things.
On the OUTSIDE , he’s a cocky loudmouth who probably gets into way more trouble than he needs in. He’s also willing to indulge into more risks considering he thinks it’s going to numb him. A party boy through and through , he’s . . . an acquired taste. He acts careless , like he’s invincible and there’s nothing you can do to break him.
But on the INSIDE , he’s still sad , lonely , scared - but immensely sweet and soft. There’s a part of him that still wants to be himself , to openly trust and love and all - but he doesn’t think that’s an option anymore since he let himself get hurt so easily. But he’s not proud of the person he’s becoming but he doesn’t think . . . he has many options.
Sometimes , though , that mask will crack , and Cyrus will break. Sometimes it’s when he needs a release , and other times it’s unwarranted. He’s so afraid of that happening in front of other people since the fear of being vulnerable is too real , since he’s worried that’ll lead to him being taken advantage of again.
So even if he does have a lot of ‘ friends, ’ not many he’s close with. And while he has a habit of flirting and sleeping around , relationships aren’t his thing - despite the fact he actually WANTS love and validation and affection to a t.
But that isn’t to say his charm is fake - no , not at all. He’s naturally a bit of a charming kid , extremely observant with body language and reading the atmosphere. And he’s pretty good at keeping a conversation , genuinely knowing the right spots to hit as well as how to keep a conversation going on how to end it. It’s what makes people want to keep him around despite the fact he can be fucking annoying at times.
He’s a good kid underneath everything - there’s just a lot of confusion & denial & fear covering it.
He’s EXTREMELY talented & bright in both magic and art !! He’s fond of painting and sketching and often expresses his true emotions in his artwork - it’s a bit why he’s so hesitant to show him to people.
And magic.... well , Glinda taught him everything he knows. And his own studies made for him to teach himself valuable practices , as well.
He’s a practicing witch religiously , as well. Crystals , sigils , tarot cards , etc. He’s an expert in all of it. He almost ALWAYS has at least one crystal on his person - and a lot of the jewelry he wears is enchanted.
SPEAKING OF JEWELRY & AESTHETICS ,,,, dude’s fashion sense has changed a bit since he’s tried to embrace more of his inner West Witch but I will say. Both styles are cute.
When he was more in tune with his ‘Good Witch’ side , he wore very nice silver , blue , white etc. vests with glittery patterns over nice white shirts with rolled up sleeves. Yk how Glinda has her crown ?? He had ( and still has ) multiple bejeweled headbands bc frankly they look cute on him.
Over tIME THOUGH he’s definitely embraced the ‘witch in all black’ thing 100%. Likes the big, floppy black hats and almost always has a black headband to accompany it. Choker necklaces, biker gloves, leather jackets - also his own pair of ruby boots , but they’re not powerful or anything they just look cute. Also almost always has some pair of sunglasses on bc they make a nice accessory even when you’re wearing them on the top of your head and not ur face.
And again - both ways , 100% is always wearing a few crystals and enchanted pieces of jewelry.
To express himself a bit more he’s also gotten a few tattoos !! Mainly on his arms for now , but there’s one exception since he has a teeny , tiny star on his right cheek. It looks more like a little freckle if you’re not up close - but other than that , it’s stars and stuff along his arms as well as sigils , spells , etc.
He’s definitely not as strained w/ his mom rn since he’s taken a chance to like. Think things over. Since it’s been about 4-5 years since the initial reveal his biological mother is Theodora. While he’s still very confused about . . . everything , he stills takes walks with his mom through her garden and routinely talks to her about stuff. Maybe it’s not super duper close like before , but it’s better than four years ago.
It takes a lot to earn his trust. Like , a shit ton. If u rly wanna form a close bond with him and earn his trust ur gonna have to work for it bc Cyrus is determined to not let himself get hurt again and that means he’s extremely guarded.
Still has that water allergy : ( But it’s not all liquids it’s just !! Pure / natural water. So the more gunked up the water is with a solute , the less likely it is to make him sizzle.
Also has 100% taught himself how to ride a broom thx to his mother aka ‘SURRENDER DOROTHY’
and also smoke cigarettes out of crushed poppy seeds bc again, gotta stay tru to mother
Again I think I specified this earlier ago bt he’s determined to try and fit in with at least some Isle kids since . . . his mother’s on the Isle. She’s a villain. His mom is Glinda but his mother is Theodora and he wants to be closer to her and he thinks he’s sort of doing so by embracing the Isle kids and wanting to be a part of them.
I still feel like he’s very. Teeter tottery on it since he grew up in Auradon and probably has some meaningful connections there and he doesn’t want to say goodbye to that but also he learns now it’s by a twist of fate he didn’t end up on the Isle and almost wonders if he was meant to.
I’m going very ‘Fire Emblem Fates’ on this idk I just found the idea of an AK adopted when he was supposed to be a VK as. Intriguing.
He’s also dealing w/ like. If his Mom ever decides to like , retire or something ?? Is he the next Good Witch of the South or is he destined to be the next Wicked Witch of the West ??? It’s tough.
Also bc I forgot to mention it already !! He’s panromantic pansexual and 6′3 bc I fckin said so. May or may not have researched height spells to make himself taller.
I also just wanna let u all know if this intro seems v. Serious I promise u Cyrus is a witty memefucker and not in a Luke ‘deadpan snarker’ way he’s just. Loudmouthed n uncensored and makes jokes at every given minute he can bc eVERYONE likes a funny guy.
Again he’s like. A comfort character. This dude means so much to me n I’m so excited to throw him at u guys.
I wanted 2 list characters that helped inspire who he is today bt. I think I might save that 4 like... a graphic or smth. :^)
WANTED CONNECTIONS & PLOTS
PLEEEEASE GIVE ME OLD FRIENDS OF HIS IN AURADON THAT KNOW HOW SOFT HE IS INWARDLY
Also friends that r just. Rly shocked by how much he’s changed. and kinda miss how he used to be before he got hurt : (
friends that sorta prefer how he’s changed?? maybe partygoing friends n stuff???
folks who are lowkey ‘wow goode got cool/hot/badass/etc.’ bc it’s definitely a signficant Shift
VKs who are encouraging him to embrace tht side of him more n dig down to his roots !!
AKs who are encouraging him to not have to try n change for that n be how he always was !!
Ppl in general who just rly would like for him to be himself and embrace who he is rather than trying to stick to a single side !!
AKs who see him as kind of like. A traitor 4 wanting to get close with the VKs
VKs who see him as too much of an AK and r basically like ‘idc if ur mother literally coined the term ‘wicked witch’ u can’t sit with us.
Rly I’m just so addicted to this ‘CHOOSE A SIDE’ thing like I generally find that as a plot so. Interesting n I def want all the connections that are sort of impacted by it since Cyrus is discovering so much abt himself
I also wld love some folks in generals he can like... be soft around. Let down his walls around. Slowly they get to know him and take the time and patiently earn his trust even tho he rly is a lot to handle.
Ppl who solely like him for the fact he can do magic bc again haha y’all can deffo use him idm
Ppl who rly dislike him whether it be for the fact he acts like a cocky dick on the outside or they don’t like how he’s trying to change himself and he doesn’t seem authentic at all literally Cyrus can b kind of sucky so pls make ppl dislike him. None of my OCs get along w/ him. Luke maybe dated him for a day n got tired already.
He’s a lot 2 handle.
Okay he’s kind of a flirt like Luke and even tho he’s not nearly on their self-proclaimed philanderer level he still kinds. Gets around so pls gimme hookups on either end
Old crushes he used to have in Auradon when he was a lil kid, in middle school, high school w/e that never happened for whatever reasons
Also an angsty unrequited crush bc I love pain
Exes that were folks he tried to date in Auradon after he got hurt bt it just. Didn’t work out for w/e reason - probably bc Cyrus is terrified of getting hurt again.
Would also lov that one longterm relationship that lasted for like. A year or so while Cyrus was going through his shit that was probably rly good for him and they though it’d last but he had to break it off out of his own fear : (
First healthy love plot based off of San Francisco by TDE per piacere?
Listen I kno I already have a first love plot wanted for Luke bt this one’s sad for dIFFERENT REASONS
I’d lov like ?? A will they/won’t they where Cyrus kind of has to open up n’ stuff before they can rly be together and it’s just up in the air even tho there are mUTUAL feelings ?? I wanna explore the relationship part of this tho instead of just. Throwing them into a ship n the next day they’re 2gether. Also would have to b discussed when seeing chemistry between the characters since. Ya.
WLD DEF B OPEN 2 A POLY WILL THEY/WONT THEY TOO
I already cleared thru enemies but again pLS GIVE ME RELATIONSHIPS THAT SHIFT BETWEEN LIKE. FRIENDS TO ENEMIES. EXES TO ENEMIES. ENEMIES TO FRIENDS. BACKSTABBING BITCHES. THAT SHIT. I LOVE IT. GIVE ME THE DRAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Thats it.
me: i kno i just listed the obligatory shippy stuff but i want to remind u again i love it when other characters hate mine
I love just exploring. Connections and relationships between characters in general whether they’re hostile, platonic, romantic, etc. like I love exploring that stuff like I’m here 4 everything.
ibh sometimes i worry abt posting shippy connections just bc i dont wanna give the impression thATS ALL I WANT even tho i think i listed more non-shippy connections than shippy
...i still worry.
bt yeah licherally give me anything. I’m a plot hoe even tho I suck at it.
#usoa:intro#abt tag tbd#i think like. 3/4 of my ocs are attending auroria so yes i lack variety.#bt hey at lEAST I TOOK UP ANOTHER AK#...TECHNICALLY#hannah montana said u get the best of both worlds#i think this is. easily my longest intro tho.#he just means a lot 2 me.#the fire emblem & zelda influence is so strong here tho#toxic relationship tw#manipulation tw#depression tw#alcohol mention#drug mention#smoking mention
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The Organization + favorite meal time (breakfast, brunch, etc.). Bonus if you include what they eat during said meal time. :3
Thank you, anon! I was so tempted to just make a bunch of separate posts with everything they eat for every meal but idk if anyone would like to see it and it would probably take a while ugh.
Xemnas
Tea time is his favorite time of day even if he doesn’t drink tea. It’s quiet and peaceful and gives him time to think about what he’s already done that day and what he has left to do before the day ends.
He’ll often have a cup of coffee and a small snack with Luxord if he has the time, but he mostly likes tea time because everyone tends to leave him alone.
Xigbar
Dinner is the best time. More of a meat and potatoes man than a soup and salad boy. Doesn’t like fancy food. Anything basic and filling is the way to go for Xigbar.
A medium rare steak with roasted red potatoes or even some pasta if he’s feeling adventurous? Perfect. Best served with a light beer to round out a great meal.
Xaldin
Likes a heavy dinner because he says it helps him relax. Also a meat and potatoes man - anything hearty and filling is perfect for him.
Likes stews, lasagnas, and pastas, usually with a salad on the side to round out the meal with something light.
Vexen
Doesn’t like to eat anything heavy at any meal time. Usually eats something light like a salad with chicken strips or even a small cup of soup during supper and is good until the next morning.
Skips dinner because eating so soon before bed makes it hard for him to sleep and gives him weird dreams. Has enough trouble sleeping as it is, so doesn’t want to tempt fate by eating late.
Lexaeus
This man is such a dad friend, I swear. Stresses to the other members that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Loves breakfast and brunch and makes some really fantastic omelette’s.
He loves to get his daily dose of protein in bacon, sausages, hashbrowns, and pancakes. Sometimes he’ll take some fried ham, if he happens to be in the mood. Likes to have his breakfast with coffee and orange juice.
Zexion
Breakfast is his favorite, if only because it’s the most acceptable time to drink four cups of coffee back to back without stopping or being judged.
Usually goes without eating food for breakfast, but will sometimes eat a bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon sugar if Lexaeus glares at him long enough.
Saix
Doesn’t eat any full meals; Saix is an ‘on the go’ snack man. Has several packages of different types of energy bars in his room and will eat one if the hunger becomes too much.
Will eat pretty much anything for a snack as long as it doesn’t take a long time. Recently found out about meal prepping and sometimes takes a day out of his week to just make a bunch of meals that he can quickly grab and eat over the following weeks.
Axel
Likes dinner and wants it to be hot and spicy. Loves spicy Indian curry, spicy burritos and beans, and any type of hot Cajun meals. Anything that can warm him up from the inside out is perfect for Axel.
Usually glugs down a soda with anything he eats, but he’s been trying to drink more water and juice to make sure he stays healthy. Really loves cranberry juice because it helps his digestive system function properly with all of the spicy food he eats.
Demyx
Would literally eat cereal for every meal if the other organization members would let him. LOVES cereals of all kind, especially Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Zexion once caught him replacing the milk in his cereal with Mountain Dew and had to throw an intervention before Demyx went into a sugar coma.
Broadened his horizons and is now a huge fan of chicken nuggets and hot pockets, though he still thinks having anything but cereal for breakfast is sacrilege.
Luxord
You would think that tea time would be his favorite time of day, but no. Luxord is all about brunch. Still able to have his cup of tea, but enjoying it with a small plate of French toast and fruit or even a small cinnamon roll.
Likes to eat a heavy breakfast to get himself ready for the day but usually eats light for every other meal.
Marluxia
Would eat an Olive Garden style meal for lunch every day if he could. Soup, salad, and breadsticks? Amazing. Loves bread of every kind, but his favorite is pumpernickel.
Also a fan of pasta, but it’s too heavy to eat for anything but supper or dinner. Likes red sauces instead of white sauces - huge fan of spaghetti and baked ziti.
Larxene
Loves lunch time because she can usually have a meal on the go. She doesn’t really have any food preferences as long as they’re easy to make and quick to eat.
A fan of sandwiches of all kind - give her a club sandwich and a bag of chips with a bottle of water and she’s good to go until dinner.
Roxas
Doesn’t have a favorite meal time, as long there’s dessert somewhere in the meal. Sea salt ice cream is the perfect dessert to any meal you can possibly create, but he’ll pretty much eat anything as long as it’s sugary and sweet.
Sometimes goes to get a midnight snack in the middle of the night with Xion if he can’t sleep.
Xion
Loves midnight snacking. Eats light for every meal during the day but is still sometimes always hungry, so tends to sneak into the kitchen in the middle of the night to ease the hunger pangs.
Usually gets something easy to eat at night. Xion will sometimes take a bowl of Demyx’s cereal and cut up a few bananas to add to it. Sometimes will have a cup of yogurt with oats or maybe even some fruit.
#organization xiii#organization xiii headcanons#kingdom hearts headcanon#kingdom hearts#organization xiii imagine
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How to feed yourself cheaply when you live alone
It can be so frustrating and difficult to get used to living by yourself. Apparently cabinets don’t come magically stocked with spices and you have to buy things??? with money???? So here’s a few things I’ve learned along the way along with some links to other great posts that have information along this subject too.
1. Secretly assassinate a relative and collect inheritance
2. Find a sugar daddy
If 1 and 2 are options then the rest of this post is worthless to you, if they are not options, keep reading.
Your first visit to the grocery store
Buckle up because it’s going to be the most expensive one
You need to stock your kitchen since you are not a roach and can’t just eat the wooden cabinets. Every kitchen should have some combination of the “basics” which will be your non-perishable pantry items-those things that your parents house seemingly never runs out of.
The Basics
-Rice
-Pasta (+any other grains you might like such as couscous, wheat berries etc.)
-Flour
-Sugar
-Brown sugar (if you’re into baking like I am)
-Baking Soda
-Baking powder
-Spices (for example, cumin, cayenne, oregano, basil, paprika, etc.)
-Salt and pepper
-Oats
-Boullion or cans of stock
-Cans of soup/packets of ramen
-Coffee/tea
I suggest you buy these kinds of items in bulk if possible. If you have the space to store them, they will last you forever and items like these can make a meal that is supposed to be 1-2 servings into somethings thats 4-6 which I’ll explain later. Also, buying in bulk is cheaper per pound/100 grams (whatever system you’re using) so in the long run, you’ll save lots of money by buying one fat ass sack of rice a year instead of 15 every few weeks. Check your area for bulk stores, places that sell spices and grains by the weight. This will save you cash and can be more eco-friendly if you’re able to use your own bags/containers.
Tips for meals
It is so much cheaper to cook a larger amount of food at a time than making something for each individual meal. This is because for the most part, you can’t buy ingredients sufficient for one serving at the grocery store and you don’t want to buy something you’ll only use once and then the rest goes bad and bye-bye money. Making a meal that will last you 3-4 days is not only cheaper, but also saves time since after the initial cooking, all you have to do is reheat a little at a time later. You can take this a step further and use grains like rice, pasta and couscous to “cut” the food thereby doubling the amount of servings you have. Below are some really easy recipes that I use that last me days.
Things you can make at home for cheap
HUMMUS! Bc it’s a great snack, filling, healthy and is stupid expensive at the store and stupid cheap and easy to make.
-1 can of garbanzo beans
-2 T of tahini (you can leave this out if you want, tahini can be expensive)
-1 T lemon juice
-1 clove of garlic, minced
-Cumin, paprika, salt, pepper
Literally throw it all in a food processor and blend. If it’s too thick, you can add more olive oil or save some of the water from the beans and add that as well. If you do that, less salt will need to be added. If you use dried beans that you’ve soaked and shit you will need more salt.
If you don’t have a food processor, you can heat the beans up and smash it by hand, it’s more effort and it may be chunkier but it works. Same goes for immersion blenders.
Fun ways to shake this hummus up
-Roasted Red pepper: Chop 1/3 C of roasted red pepper and add. Replace some of the olive oil with some of the juice from the pepper jar.
-Roasted Garlic: Instead of mincing a garlic clove, expose the head of the garlic (lol) and rub with a little olive oil, making sure it gets into the cracks (lol). Wrap in foil and roast at 400 degrees (~200 C) for 30-35 minutes. Garlic should be nice and soft when it’s done. Roasted garlic is sweet instead of biting like raw garlic so using a whole head is okay and you won’t die when you eat it.
-Artichoke heart+black olive: Chop up one can of artichoke hearts with however many chopped black olives as you would like
-Pesto: Add in at least one tablespoon of pesto
Now the question is, how do I eat my hummus and the answer is, there’s actually a billion ways
-Put it on a sandwich or wrap!
-Dip celery, cucumber, carrots, peppers in it!
-Eat it with pretzels or tortilla chips OR if you’re a cheap bastard like me, make your own tortilla chips by cutting up some tortilla rounds, brushing them with olive oil, sprinkling them with salt and bake at 350 for 10ish minutes. I usually put mine into the oven right when I turn it on and pull them out when the oven is preheated bc I can’t be bothered to actually figure out a proper cooking time. Whatever, this is way cheaper than buying chips and they’re more filling. You can also make tortillas, it’s cheap and simple, I find they taste better, but it is slightly time consuming. Here’s a recipe.
-Eat it with a spoon wgaf you live alone no judgement.
Coffee Creamer
Hell yes you can make this at home. The basic is about 1 3/4 cup of milk (whatever kind of milk, the more fat in the milk the creamier the creamer) and 14oz of sweetened condensed milk. You can also add in a few drops of any sort of extract/honey or some sprinkles of cinnamon/nutmeg whatever suits your fancy! Here is a bunch of variations. Also put 1/4 of a teaspoon of cinnamon per cup of coffee in with your coffee grounds in the filter for a cinnamon scented coffee.
Popcorn
Well, we all knew this one. But honest to god it is so much cheaper and healthier to pop popcorn using a bag of kernels than it is to buy a box of microwave popcorn. Just pour some oil and a tablespoon of butter into a large pan, add the popcorn and cook covered over medium heat. As soon as the kernels start to pop make sure you start jiggling the pan to keep them moving so they don’t burn and ruin your pan. I’m pretty sure you can put the kernels in a paper bag in the microwave too. Throw salt on it, or even cinnamon and sugar cuz why not.
RULES FOR GROCERY SHOPPING
1. buying in bulk saves
2. Don’t buy in bulk if you can’t use it all before it expires-like yeast! Most expiration dates are pretty generous and you can actually continue using the product beyond the date (this amount of time varies, please for your own safety please google it). Yeast is the only food I know of that is true to its expiration.
3. Avoid superstores when possible. Most of the time, you’re paying for the convenience. Superstores are often more expensive because you’re paying for the convenience of doing all your shopping in one place.
4. Ethnic markets are almost always cheaper-especially for trendy things like Coconut oil (so cheap at indian food markets!!) Find Chinese, Arabic, Indian, Mexican food markets around you and split up your shopping accordingly.
5. MAKE YOUR OWN BREAD, it can be very easy. Google it.
6. Off brand is just as good as the rest
7. Coupons, grab them in the front of the store if available
8. Just because something is a good deal doesn’t mean you have to buy it. I don’t care if orange juice is on sale, I don’t drink a lot of orange juice. You know what’s cheaper than something being 50% off? Not buying it at all. It costs $0.00 to be smart.
9. Don’t make grocery shopping a habitual thing. By that I mean don’t go grocery shopping every Sunday or whatever. Go grocery shopping when you need to go grocery shopping. If it’s been a week but you can wait 4 more days, wait 4 more days.
10. Don’t buy fresh herbs, grow them. A packet of seeds is cheap. Plastic pots are cheap. Potting soil can be cheap if you can find a place where you can buy by the weight instead of a massive bag. Plant the seeds according to the packet. Things like basil need to be watered often. Things like rosemary and thyme are okay chilling a couple of days without it. Read the packets and google it. Also it’s so rewarding to watch your little baby plants grow. An herb garden costs $10 dollars at the most to make. Fresh herbs at the grocery store cost $2-6 per package. Fresh herbs make meals taste a million times better I swear to god it’s the best thing you can do for yourself. Growing herbs also helped me with my depression so bonus.
11. If shopping at a super store, as much as possible stay out of the “middle”. What I mean is, things you buy should come from the sections closest to the wall-these include the produce, meat, dairy and frozen vegetables. All the processed foods are in the middle and though some can be cheap, they’re not filling and you end up buying them a lot. Doing things like making your own hummus can keep you out of the middle aisles and it’s healthier. Things from the middle you may need though are tea, ramen, grains, soup, peanut butter.
12. Plan your trip. Thoroughly look through your fridge and cabinets to see what you’re out of. I even keep a little white board on my fridge where I write what’s in the fridge and what’s run out. Write down what needs to be replaced/what you need for the next couple of meals. Do not stray from the list when shopping.
13. Go to Marshalls or Winners or whatever equivalent for things like olive oil, K cups if you have a Keurig (oh fancy fancy) and cool pink salt. They also have other kinds of oils like sunflower and avocado, and even sometimes protein powders. It’s way cheaper there and you can buy a liter sized bottle of olive oil for like 7 dollars when it would cost at least twice that at a grocery store.
14. Do not have the same grocery list every week. Prices of things change, your list should reflect that. If you’re wanting to get some sort of fruit for a snack, don’t get apples every week. Get whatever is in season. The prices of fresh produce in stores and markets will reflect what’s in season (i.e. the cheapest things). Lucky for us Bananas are always in season and are a super cheap snack that people forget about. I often wait until they’re ripe, cut them up and freeze them to make smoothies.
15. Don’t be afraid of tofu. It’s cheap as hell and once you learn how to prepare it, can be a fantastic substitute for animal proteins if meat/fish are too expensive.
16. Don’t forget, so many foods can be frozen. If something is crazy on sale, don’t be afraid to buy more than usual if you are able to freeze it. Here’s a list of things that can be frozen. TBH here, in Canada, I buy those big 3L bags of milk and store the little baggies in the freezer.
Finally, go to Goodwill stores and thrift shops to find kitchen appliances, dishes, and cookware for cheap! The best 7 dollars I ever spent was on a crock pot. These stores have so many items that last FOREVER, like a good pan, or a classic cafeteria. Don’t think you can’t cook because you can’t afford the equipment. Kitchen equipment doesn’t have to be a huge investment.
That’s all I have for today. Good luck out there guys.
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FREEDOM
April 13, 2021
I slept at 9:30pm but woke up at 4:30am again. Perhaps it was because I was anticipating ending our quarantine. I can’t imagine what 14 days of quarantine is like. I usually start my morning doing my quiet time since it is literally quiet and peaceful. I usually have a lot of thoughts and prayers as well during that time. I’m not normally a morning person so this adjustment is something to get used to.
Each room was assigned a certain time to get their rapid covid test and we all were negative! I was so relieved and immediately walked out. This quarantine not only allowed us to form a good foundation with each other, but it truly made me have a deeper gratitude for the so many things I take for granted...walking outside and enjoying the weather, the beautiful creation that is everywhere around us, SALAD, and the freedom to purchase what I needed. We decided to treat ourselves and eat downtown and wanted to get this well known sushi restaurant but we couldn’t because they were so busy and ran “Hawaian time”. For those who do not know, “Hawaiian time” is describing someone who is lax has no urgency and the total opposite of the east coast culture. This restaurant had one phone line and even when calling 20x right when they opened, when they finally picked up, ordering 3 rolls takes 2.5 hours...I was shocked and we decided to just eat at an American restaurant. I also was able to finally try Kona coffee for the first time! We went to Kona Coffee Cafe and I was able to sample so many different types and learn from the local the definition of Kona peaberries. These precious peaberries are grown on the volcanic slopes of Kona. They are expensive because they are rare and also require a lot of labor to harvest these peaberries. What you get though is the smoothest coffee I’ve ever tasted. I don’t like acidic coffee like Blue Bottle so this was perfect. Their dark chocolate covered roasted kona peaberry was amazing. I just got black macadamia nut vanilla ice coffee ( the additional flavors are natural oils added to the mixture).
I also was reaffirmed by speaking to the local how much the locals really feared COVID because the majority lived with their elders. Yesterday all the students attended a zoom meeting where we were instructed the importance of wearing our masks when we are downtown because it is mandated by the state of Hawaii but also to respect and show love to the locals. Unfortunately YWAM last quarter did have an outbreak of 30 people, but thankfully we were able to contain it. Speaking with the local who ran the cafe, I heard her frustration of how some previous YWAMers (probably teenagers) didn't abide by the mask rule and how it can really hinder us from demonstrating the love of Christ to them. That meeting we attend really reminded me that wearing the mask was more than politics but a way to show Christ love to those around us and to represent the God that we serve. I pray that even the youth here will be obedient and despite the inconvenience to serve the locals this way.
We then walked to the beach nearby and it was breathtaking. We sat down and just took the beauty of God’s creation in. The turquoise water, the perfect weather we were experiencing, the clear blue sky were all perfect. I really felt that I was in Hawaii and I could not stop staring at the waters. On our way home we grabbed lunch at this American bar/grill restaurant since we didn’t have much time. I got a spinach salad with MahiMahi ( it was dry but I didn't’ care because it was VEGGIES). We also tried gelato at Gypsea Gelato for the first time. I got passion fruit and toasted coconut with chocolate shavings. It was really good and there we ran into the other team members that we haven’t met since we were quarantined. It was nice to see that the girls in our team were all truly sweet and kind to each other. I can see us getting along and I look forward to what God has in store for us. We realized soon that we had to meet back at the base to our work duty (which was the sustainable farm). Literally since we were downtown, we were DOWNTOWN..meaning the base was uphill. I quickly grabbed watermelon drinks for my other roomies who had one more day of quarantine and we ran up the hill. Since I’ve been out of shape, I was dying going up that hill. It was also pretty sunny and wearing that mask going up 5 flights of stairs was torture. We quickly dropped off our belongings, changed clothes, and went to the sustainable farm.
Thankfully we made it on time! I was sweating like a pig but I was so glad we were able to respect their schedule. Let me tell you about the farm.. It is amazing… I am astonished how everything is not wasted and the creative ways they utilize every component to make this base sustainable. I absolutely love their mission theme which is to train students the importance of sustainability, how to steward these gifts to teach underserved countries how to also become self-sustaining, and to feed the homeless here in Kona. All vegetables grown here are used to feed the students. They have sheep, pigs, rabbits, fish, and chicken but they are used to educate how to raise animals. One rule that we had to remember was that the animals are kind and we need to treat them with respect. If there is any misbehaving animal, they will be offered to the locals who can provide a donation and more likely will be eaten.
We also get to learn the basics of aquaponics which was really cool and something you won’t really learn elsewhere. I pray that this experience will help me to appreciate food that is put at the table, the importance of knowing how to steward what God has provided. There were 6 restorer team members ( Winnie, Chloe, Chlo, Eunhye, Yaedam, and KC) and there were 6 other students who were part of a christian graduate farming sustainability program.
Side note: Chloe changed her name to Chlo because there were 2 Chloes LOL. What a funny kid...this is my spunky roomie btw.
What’s funny though is that I had an epiphany why I was placed in the Restorer program with a bunch of Koreans. I focused on how it would benefit me, but little did I know how I was also sent to help translate for the other restorer students since I was the most fluent Korean American. Yes, me. I am surprised and my friends are probably laughing while reading this but the other students are so encouraging saying that I am doing a good job that it motivates me to really try my best. We were all given chores to do and I picked feeding the chicken and picking their eggs. Did you know chickens lay different colored eggs based on the color of the ears? Yes chicken has ears and earlobes LOL. I did not know. I saw pale blue and brown eggs for the first time. I will also help raise the rabbits and we have one male rabbit, 2 large female rabbits, and a bunch of teenager rabbits. Each day, one rabbit gets to run around the garden while the rest are caged and at the end of our shift we have to catch the rabbit LOL. I will one day catch the rabbit with my bare hands. We also have sheep, dogs, and cats all over this farm hanging out with us!
A lot of us wore shorts so we were a buffet for the mosquitos so now we know long sleeves and pants are much needed. After orientation we went to the sustainable garden and helped reuse the pots that held the harvested cabbages and sort out roots, the pots, and the rocks. Tired, covered in bug bites, bug spray, sweat, and sunscreen, we walked back weary but excited to see how much we would learn. I’m glad to meet the other team members and to get to know them more as well. My roomies and I missed dinner at the cafeteria since it is still closed and they were packing them which we had to pick up so Winnie and I went downtown again to ABC to pick up dinner. We picked up oranges, egg sandwiches, and water. The sink water even with the strongest brita filter tastes pretty bad. It’s because the island is covered by salt water so it’s harder than other areas. Chloe stayed behind since she was working with the pigs that she voluntarily chose to do. Although she seems girly, she has a spunky side that is ready for challenging adventures which I love about her. Winnie is similar to me in that we love to exercise so we carried our groceries all the way up and enjoyed the exercise. Winnie and I had some one-on-one time which was nice and after we ate dinner, Chloe and I went to go see the sunset while Winnie showered. Although they are literally 20 (yes I feel like a great grandma), I am amazed at their maturity level and how it was so easy to connect with them. I was so blessed to hear that Chloe before she came to YWAM prayed earnestly for one of her roomies to be an American. I told her I prayed for diversity LOL, but perhaps it’s a different kind of diversity that God has in mind.
After seeing our first beautiful sunset, I showered (the water is still intermittent cold and hot) and we did our first load of laundry. Now we are working on our homework which is assigned for tomorrow. Wow this is the most I’ve written and I hope I can look back and remember such a wonderful day it was. We walked 17,327 steps. During quarantine it was 4,000 LOL. I will be sleeping well tonight :)
Prayer request
Tomorrow our homework requires us answering very vulnerable questions to our team. This will be emotionally taxing and as much as I am looking forward to it, I am also nervous. Please pray that God would hold our hearts as we share probably the most deepest thoughts and events to each other and that this vulnerability will be sealed in His name so that this would be the first step of healing.
Mahalo,
Alicia
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question thing
Decided to answer a bunch of things I've been tagged in over the past couple months!
Tagged by @mathemayjicks
This one is all about picking favourites and I am TERRIBLE at that so just... yeah... bear with me...
what’s your favourite song(s) to sing/hum?
Oh lord can I even answer this? What happens with me is I will latch on to one random song and play it for several days straight (and I do mean all day every day, literally; the actual type of literally, not the figurative one) and hum/sing it all the time. But then I get that song out of my system and a new one gets stuck in my head. There's not really any song that's a perennial favourite. This week I'm listening to video game music a lot, which is definitely very hummable and great for getting shit done because my brain hears it and is tricked into thinking it is time to FOCUS UP. I actually made the soundtrack public since some friends asked about wanting to listen to it also. (It's called "bastion" because it started life as a bunch of Bastion tracks but then because more general.)
what are your favourite flower/tree/plant (all 3 or whatever you have an answer to)
SORREL. I LOVE SORREL. It is the most delicious thing on god's green earth and I would eat pounds of it at a time if someone would just give me that much sorrel (please give me that much sorrel why does no one sell it)
favourite colour(s)?
Purple! I even think it goes great with green (hello, Piccolo looks great), so @mathemayjicks and I are gonna have a fight about this.
what do you always doodle (if you ever do)?
Faces, especially eyes. Sometimes hands. But it's at least 50% eyes.
how do you take your coffee/tea? If you don’t like those what’s your fav warm drink?
I can't drink coffee but I do like just about any plain tea. Sometimes I put sugar in black tea. I've never tried tea with milk but-- OH. OH OH OH. I found a Japanese crepe place recently and they also serve fun teas and they have this weird (?) green tea with salted cheese? Fluffy creamy salted cheese that floats on top and you drink the tea through it and it catches some cheese flavour and sometimes bits of the actual cheese? I had no idea such a thing existed but honestly it is probably my fave way to drink tea now.
favourite candle scent?
I like any that don't involve cinnamon!
sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise, definitely! I'm crepuscular generally and love both mornings and evenings, but I especially enjoy being up before the sun and having that quiet time to myself. Sunset tends to have more people and also everyone is projecting "time to wind down" all around me which is kind of a downer. Sunrise = productive! Ahead of the game!
what perfume do you wear if any?
Dislike. The autism means I have a hard time putting smells out of my mind, so I don't like it when *I* smell. It's super distracting. Scented candles are okay because I can choose to light them and put them out, but scent that is around me all day is just nope. I do like noting what other people smell like though, as long as I'm not spending hours near someone wearing noticeable scent.
what’s your go to dance move when you’re alone?
I love to dance but I am also mortifyingly bad at it and the audience of me, myself, and I is plenty for me to get embarrassed in front of so I just. Do not dance when I'm alone. It's not worth it. At least if I'm with other people I can coast on their energy.
favourite quote?
I'll miss the sea, but a person needs new experiences. They jar something deep inside, allowing him to grow. Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.
-- Duke Leto Atreides, Dune (1984 film)
I've never seen this movie, but I read the book and looked up trivia about the film and ran across this quote. That happened when I was... I must have been 10-11 or so (a good age to read Dune hahaha uhhhh) and it's stuck with me ever since.
favourite self care thing(s) or routine(s)?
Sticking my feet under warm/hot running water. Running water specifically, not still water. I will often run the shower and put just my feet in it while I read or do stuff on my laptop.
fuzzy socks or house slippers?
Def barefoot. Socks are the devil. I do have a set of USB heated narwhal slippers though that I got as a gift.
what colour are your eyes?
Brown.
what’s your favourite eye colour on others?
No opinion! Eyes are just cool.
favourite season? why?
Early autumn or middle of spring. I hate cold and I hate hot but I don't mind rain or cloudiness, so those times of year are perfect for me.
cheek, neck or nose kisses?
Neck. Definitely neck.
what does your happy place look like?
Don't really... have one? >.>
favourite breed of dog?
Can't name ONE but can name several? I generally love huge working dogs, so probably top of that list is stuff like Bernese Mountain Dog or Newfoundlands or Malamutes or German Shepherds. I own a corgi so obvs I like those also, but basically because they are large dogs with short legs.
do you ever want to be married? If so what colours would you pick for your wedding theme?
I dislike the institution of marriage the way it's done these days. There's always the hetero marriage standard problem, but it goes even deeper than that for me. Anyone should be able to form unions with one or more of any other persons, that's a given, but I mean stuff like... I am skeeved out by the idea of the government being all up in my personal relationships. And if the government wants to do that for purposes of investing in the raising of children, then the civil benefits that go with marriage should be extended to literally any people who want to raise kids, alone or together. So like if a kid's aunt wants to raise that kid together with the kid's grandma, then they should get the same benefits as a hetero married couple does right now.
All that said I did end up marrying my partner of 13 years 12 years into the relationship because of Trump. Our "wedding" had only me, my partner, @sevdrag, and her partner at it. It “took place” at a bar and there was no judge or priest, because we got a self-uniting license so all we had to do was sign the paper with two witnesses present to declare ourselves married and that was it. Now we can share health insurance. Yaaaaaay.
silk or lace?
Silk! I really appreciate the craftsmanship behind lace though.
favourite weather?
Overcast, mid-high 60F (18-19C). Maybe with some mist or that kind of extremely light precipitation that I call water "sifting" down.
I tag @solosvejs!
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#23: Season 3, Episode 3 - “My Best Friend’s Girlfriend”
Twitty’s new relationship with Allison Wong starts monopolizing his free time and Louis' jealousy emerges once again. Meanwhile, Ren and Donnie get caught up in some heated sibling rivalry for a change!
I love when “kid” shows grow up a bit and we get to see our characters in juicy situations -- Like, immature middle school relationships. LET’S GET INTO THE DRAMA!
We see that Louis and Twitty have found a hobby in "foam-hunk diving." Don't even tell me you didn't want to try this (or STILL want to try this.) If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that this episode inspired us all to foam hunk dive:
One day during their routine excursion, Twitty notices Allison Wong standing nearby. It's so ridiculous (and slightly inappropriate?) how they have her drink from a water bottle in slow-mo while a deep voice sings "ohhhh, babehhhh" in the background. This is Even Stevens, not Baywatch. Louis encourages Twitty to go talk to her. Their conversation is awkward -- complete with a foam hunk sticking out of Twitty's neck. And I use the word "conversation" lightly because it's literally exactly what you'd expect interaction between two 8th graders to be like (a.k.a. The smallest small talk ever.) But, that's apparently all it takes for Twitty to return to Louis with the good news "She likes me!" and they celebrate by flailing around in packaging materials, as all mature men do.
I would also like to point out the incredible name for the packing supply warehouse, which I just noticed today:
“PACKRAMENTO Packing Supplies” - Not only is the totally legit logo abnormally bright, terribly superimposed, and made on Microsoft Paint... but it’s one of the greatest and worst puns I’ve ever heard.
Then it cuts to the subplot, where Donnie is preparing to give a rock climbing demonstration on... a giant rock wall that they've named after him. Why? I have so many questions. Was Donnie the school's star rock climber too? What middle school even has a rock climbing program? Lawrence Jr. High does because this is Even Stevens, fool.
Everyone is there in the stands, including Twitty and Allison who have already started dating??? They're cozying up to each other and everything already.
ok they’re honestly pretty cute tho
Just as Donnie is about to do his demonstration, coach Tugnut interjects and performs a cheer for Donnie. This is so disturbing, lol. The opening line is "Donnie Stevens, muscles that bulge" - CALM DOWN, TUGNUT. He also says “Leading his teammates to a steamy hot shower!” Again: Holy crap, Disney. What de heck. Tugnut was definitely a coded gay character... and an unfortunately creepy one at that, dang.
Wexler, Donnie, and Tawny are me.
He then insists that Donnie doesn't ~shine~ without an opponent, so Ren unwillingly volunteers by jumping up and screaming at the top of her lungs after Louis pours ice down the back of her shirt. This leads to a "family grudge match" (Tugnut's words) between brother and sister, which we seldom see and it's a cool lil switcheroo! The sibling rivalry is always centered around Louis and Ren specifically. So it's interesting to see what that dynamic is like between Ren and Donnie. Like, you forget that Louis and Ren have a brother sometimes! To Donnie's shock and embarrassment, Ren beats him. Uh oh. This births the main through-line of the subplot which is the two of them competing at literally everything ever in life after that because Donnie is being a sore loser.
At lunch that day, Louis’ jealousy takes center stage when Twitty invites Allison to eat with them. They’re all giggly and lovey dovey -- gushing about the fact that both of their names start with “Al” and they love strawberry ice cream but hate vanilla. Ya know, the kind of solid foundation all enduring relationships are built on. Louis ain’t havin’ it. Twitty even says that the two of them are going to craft club after school, when he usually goes to Louis’ house. God forbid.
This scene also brought us one of my favorite Louis gifs:
I can taste the salt from here. No one wears jealousy as strong as Louis Stevens.
I’m just gonna wrap up the subplot now, like I usually do.. because they’re always much shorter than the main plot and so intermittent that it’s just annoying (and extra work for me lol) to keep going back and forth! Sooo yeah. Basically Donnie starts an unofficial battle against Ren over everything: Like who can put away groceries the fastest and a spur of the moment limbo challenge. I love the limbo scene, because how on earth is Steve in regular clothes one second and tropical vacation clothes complete with a coconut drink the next? Because this is Even Stevens, fool.
“This is like that impromptu family fun you see on television!” Steve says, as we watch them have impromptu family fun on television. That’s some sorta fourth wall type joke right there.
Donnie ultimately challenges Ren to a rock climbing rematch... and she beats him fair and square again. Donnie is cool with it this time around and adjusts his negative attitude towards losing! Yay! I also forgot to mention that Tugnut very harshly slapped Donnie’s butt before he started climbing at both matches. Yikes. Ren and Donnie are all happy and proud of themselves for not letting competition come between them, and Tugnut is miserable over precious Donnie losing to his sister. They should probably rename it the Ren Stevens Rock Climbing Wall though. The person it’s named after couldn’t even climb it successfully.
I love this. It’s so nice, tbh. The end!
Back to the Twitty and Allison drama. Twitty stops by the Stevens house after craft club and brings Allison along with him. Louis just about dies. He just can’t handle it at all. I’d like to mention that Louis was reading a “swimsuit edition” of Steve’s bird watching magazine as Twitty walked in??? What? Is it just pictures of girls in bikinis posing with birds? Why is that a thing? Because THIS IS EVEN STEVENS, FOOL. Twitty also brought a wind chime he made using sea glass and Allison puts it to the left of Louis’ bed. Later in the scene, Louis walks to the right of his bed and the wind chime hits him in the head. Twitty forgot to mention he also installed a brain and legs into the wind chime. This whole scene is kinda sad though because Louis tries to hang out with them, but everything he suggests is only suited for two people. Like a bunch of hilariously titled board games: “2 On a Plank,” “Two to Tango,” “Third Wheel,” and “Odd Man Out.” Sounds like a fun time!
I love how “2 On a Plank” shows, like.. 5 people on the side of the box.
Louis clearly doesn’t know how to be alone or allow his friends to have other friends/significant others, so he immediately decides to replace Twitty any way he can -- Starting with asking Tawny to date him again. “As of right now, you and I are officially back on!” Tawny can see right through him as usual and tries to make him see that he doesn’t want a girlfriend, he’s just using her to fill the void. There’s a great bit here when Louis presents a daisy to Tawny and refers to it as a rose lol. That moment has been gif’d and literally has 400k+ notes on here! Wowie!
Tawny’s words of wisdom fall on deaf ears because Louis turns around right away and runs to Tom as a last resort. “Welp, now you’re officially my best friend!” he tells him. As if it’s that easy. Despite sort of being friends, (I say ‘sort of’ because Louis tends to treat Tom like poo on his shoe) the two of them obviously don’t have much in common and Tom is way too uptight to be bffs with Louis. Tom is absolutely elated to have a “best friend,” though. :( He asks Louis if they should talk to each other before school in the morning to make sure they don’t wear the same thing, but Louis insists that’s not gonna happen. And he’s right... the chances of that happening are literally zero. But leave it to Tom to somehow manage to take “best friends” to the next level:
I’ll never understand how or why this happens on TV shows all the time.
Louis tries to take Tom foam hunk diving with him, but Tom’s uptight nature sucks the fun out of everything. So much so, Louis just ends their new best-friendship right then and there. There’s only one thing I dislike about this episode, and that’s the way Louis treats Tom. As usual. It’s pretty hilarious though... Tom says he can’t hop the fence because he doesn’t have his fence climbing gloves. Oh my god.
Louis attempts to go dive by himself, but it’s just not the same. It also makes him look like a crazy person flailing around in hunks of foam and beaming with joy by himself. I’d like to point out that “Louis” does a flip into the hunks, except it’s definitely not Shia:
Shia couldn’t do his own stunts??? lol. The flip was pretty simple! This dude’s wig is so different from Shia’s hair and he has a receding hairline.
Just then, Louis hides as Twitty shows up with Allison and surprises her with the vat of foam hunks. She’s seriously unimpressed. She calls the idea of jumping into it stupid. One thing leads to another and they decide to break up, dramatically parting ways.
I love how this screencap really illustrates that it was the foam hunks that tore them apart. Imagine? “How did your marriage end again?” “My wife wouldn’t jump in a tub of packaging materials with me.” -- This is why middle schoolers aren’t ready for relationships.
Louis is beyond happy that they broke up at first. He’s just excited to have his best friend back. But, unfortunately.. all Twitty can do afterwards is mope around. He can’t stop thinking about Allison. This brings us to the end of the episode and the reason why I really like this one. In the end, Louis decides to put his friend’s feelings before his own and convinces Allison to go foam hunk diving with them. Awww. She pops up out of nowhere and pleasantly surprises Twitty! Tom shows up too and the four of them have a good old fashioned blast.
It’s like when friends get caught in the rain and have a cinematic, grand old time -- except this is Even Stevens so it’s foam hunks that fall instead.
And that’s it! Idk man, I just always liked this episode. I’ve said it a million times but I live for teen drama lol. It’s just refreshing and entertaining whenever this show decides to explore relationships. We get to see quite a few here as well! There’s Twitty and Allison of course. But then there’s Louis and Twitty’s friendship, as well as Ren and Donnie’s rivalry. This one is kinda stuffed to the brim with it, but I really enjoy the main plot. Even though Louis was super jealous the whole time, the resolution always makes me happy. Just goes to show that he’s a good friend, even though selfishness can get the better of him sometimes. This episode also kinda doubles as a Twitty plot which is cool. Oh, and Shia does his “WAHHHH-HA-HA-OOOOOO!” scream at least 10 times in this episode. Five of which are in the first 2 minutes, so there’s that. I actually just realized that this episode is basically the same plot as All About Yvette, except reversed and less cheesy. I feel like I mention that episode a lot for some reason lol.
I also want to let you guys know that I’ve created a Redbubble account to start selling some Even Stevens-related designs/products. I’ve been working really hard on the designs and cannot wait to post them!! Ahhh. I have so many ideas! haha. (Like *cough* Twitty-Stevens Connection band merch *cough*) It’s gonna be fun. I was inspired to do so because I saw that Lizzie McGuire, That’s So Raven and other Disney Channel “classics” have some new official merch for sale through Hot Topic. But of course... Even Stevens gets nothing. So once again, I’m taking matters into my own hands here lol. I always try to search for Even Stevens merch, but I can never find anything. So I’m making these products for myself as much as I’m making them for y’all. I’ll be sure to let you know when the stuff is posted.
ALSO Brookwell/McNamara (the show’s production team) followed the blog on Twitter. I feel so validated and ~official.~
Thanks for reading! As always, I encourage you to chime in via Disqus below.
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#rank#season 3#allison wong#alan twitty#louis stevens#ren stevens#shia labeouf#christy carlson romano#nick spano#donnie stevens#comedy#tv shows#review#tv reviews#old disney#old school disney#zoog disney#early 2000s#tania gunadi#coach tugnut#tom gribalski
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Swiss Time - Chapter Three
**Sorry this took so long! Had to wrangle with it for a while. Thank you @lovedyouwild for taking a look and making sure I wasn’t going completely off the rails lol. <3 The slow burn continues - baby steps. :-) Here are links to chapter one and chapter two for those interested. Thanks for reading!**
The walk to the restaurant might as well have been a march to the gallows pole, and she wished she could disappear. The sight of the restroom in the antechamber of the lounge shone like a beacon of light, and Natalie slipped inside, savoring the solitude of the chamber. She leaned over the sink and twisted the tap, cupping her hands underneath the icy stream. It felt like heaven on her burning cheeks, but regret was soon to follow as blurry, black splotches littered the basin. She winced as she peered into the mirror. Her makeup was smeared. Badly. All the painstaking work her aunt had put into it was, quite literally, going down the drain. Sighing at the dismal reflection, she plucked a towel from the elegantly folded stack to her left. She patted the skin around her eyes in an attempt to correct the damage, to no avail. Accepting defeat, she scrubbed it off, tossing the stained cloth in the large gold basket under the vanity. With the last bleak peek into the glass, she bounded for the door. All she really wanted to do was go to bed. Surely Susan would let her leave. She yanked it open, pondering which book would put her to sleep, only to stop in her tracks. He was lying in wait, draped against the wall, smoking a cigarette with not a care in the world. She willed her legs to move as the door bumped her from behind.
“You took off your makeup.”
“You mean all that stuff on my face? So I did.” She stomped by, not giving him a second glance.
Robert pushed off, trailing after her. ”Hey! It’s nice. I mean, you look better without it.”
He sounded conciliatory, almost contrite, and Nat whirled around. “Thank you, I guess?” They stared at one another, both silent. “Is there something you want from me?”
He took a step closer. “I’m, uh, sorry about teasing you back there. Just having a little fun.”
“Whatever, it’s okay. Look, I need to tell my aunt that I’m going back to the suite, so … goodbye.”
A twinge of disappointment coiled through his chest. “Wait, why are you going back? Don’t you need to eat something?”
“I’m alright.” As if on cue, her stomach rumbled. Dammit. Even her own body was betraying her.
“Come on, just have a bite,” he prodded, taking another step.
Something in his smile told her that he was used to getting what he wanted, and a stubborn part of her hesitated. She was a bit hungry, though, and could probably use a little something. At the second rumble, she acquiesced. As they plodded into the dining room, Natalie spotted their table immediately. It was hard to miss with the cackles from some of the characters ensconced around it. They took the two empty seats next to her aunt and Christian, who were busy chatting away with what appeared to be a giant near the end of the table. To his right, sat a thin, pale man with hair as black as hers. He seemed oddly out of place, sort of ethereal, like he’d stepped from one of the paintings in her art history books. As their eyes met, his lips turned up, a move so slight it nearly wasn’t there, and chills ran down her spine. Uproarious laughter broke the moment, and her gaze darted to the source of it. Two bearded men were talking over each other, exchanging stories, and not exactly dinner conversation. The handsome man next to them shook his head, offering her an apology in the form of a bashful half grin.
“Don’t pay them any mind. Attention only makes it worse. You must be Susan’s niece. I’m John Paul.”
Natalie nodded, immediately comforted by his even tone and polite demeanor, such a contrast to his bawdy neighbors. “Yes, I’m Natalie … Natalie Grace. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Grace?” Robert chirped, crushing out his cigarette. “Is that your last name or your middle?”
The pleasant air she’d summoned for John Paul vanished. “Middle.”
“Ahh, Natalie Grace,” the singer hummed, drumming his fingers on the menu. “That has a nice ring to it.” He opened the thick, leather bound book, errantly flipping through the pages. “So, what’s good here?”
It was the first time she’d heard him say her name, and much to her surprise, she didn’t loathe way it sounded. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never eaten here. I’m not even supposed to be here. I’m only …” she trailed off as a warm, braided roll arrived, the heavenly smell of it trumping conversation. She scooped up her knife and went to work, slathering the lovely brown shell with salted butter.
“You’re only what? Allowed to eat on Tuesdays?”
Natalie rolled her eyes at his attempt at a pun, taking the largest bite she could manage. “Fifteen. I’m only fifteen,” she mumbled, her mouth full of what tasted like ambrosia of the gods. “Well, fourteen, technically.” She’d barely swallowed before returning for round two. “I’ll be fifteen at the end of the month.”
Christ. Robert had assumed she was young, but not quite that young. Although he’d seen younger … and doing a lot more than just … he vanquished the image. “Well, happy birthday, then.”
“Thank you.” It sounded more like ‘fank you’ as her cheeks ballooned, an absolute horrendous display of manners, but she didn’t feel the slightest bit self-conscious.
“Would you like mine, as well?” the singer asked, holding out his plate.
Natalie snorted, finally coaxing the morsel down her throat. “I’m okay.”
“Feeling better?”
“A little.” She took a sip of water as waiters surrounded them, delivering bowls filled with bubbling cheese and cubes of crusty bread. She reached toward the platter of long forks, bound for the one with the cobalt tip, and her hand collided with his. “Hey, I wanted this one.”
“I got here first,” Robert crooned, gently tugging it from her grasp.
“But blue’s my favorite color,” she grumbled, tugging back.
“Mine, too.” There was a standoff of sorts, neither relinquishing their grip. He was contemplating giving in when she snatched the fork away.
“Hope you like red!” Natalie crowed triumphantly, spearing a healthy chunk. She submerged it in the cheese, swirling for as long as she possibly could. It was a drippy, delicious mess as she pulled it from the pot, twirling madly. She nipped it off and sat back with a groan, delighting in the creamy, fragrant explosion.
“Red’ll do,” Robert murmured, chuckling at the display. “Good, huh?”
“Better than good!” She licked her lips, drowning another cube. “Have you ever had fondue?”
“Yeah, but I’m nowhere near the connoisseur that you apparently are.”
“Make sure to scrape the bottom when it gets low. That’s the best part.” She wiped her chin with the back of her hand, noting Susan’s disapproving glare. She sheepishly picked up her napkin before fetching her prize from the pot. “Oh, and whatever you do, don’t lose your bread.”
“Why? What happens then?”
Natalie tried to answer, but her mouth was too full. Grinning wryly, her aunt did it for her, “If you’re a man, you have to buy everyone a drink.”
“And if you’re a woman?”
“You have to kiss your neighbors,” she replied devilishly, swirling the wine in her glass.
The night wore on as did bowl after bowl, along with an endless supply of spirits. They were a merry bunch, and Natalie found herself growing more and more at ease. Maybe even having a good time, she conceded as another ribald tale made the rounds. She glanced to Robert as he began to laugh. He’d tossed his head back and his curls were dusting across his shoulders. Broad shoulders, she mused, observing him clandestinely. Or so she’d hoped. Catching her perusal, his mouth curved, and hot needles returned to her cheeks. She didn’t know why. She hardly liked him. And certainly not in that way. Dismissing the thought, she perched over the pot, dipping what she’d decided would be her last serving. As she spun the bread in lazy circles, she sensed the weight of someone’s stare, and her gaze flickered across the table to the raven haired man they called Jimmy. He wasn’t eating anything, or not much, seemingly more content with his study of her. His soft lilt sliced through the din.
“So, tell us about yourself, Natalie. What do you like to do for fun?”
She blinked, not certain of her response. His smile was mesmerizing. And knowing.
“Yeah, Nat,” Robert brayed, his dimple deepening, “what do you do? Besides eat.”
She cut her eyes at the singer. “Lots of things, Rob.”
“Such as?” he goaded, nibbling his lip. “Do you ski?”
She hadn’t the faintest idea how to ski but wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction. “I’m living in Montreux. What do you think?”
He cocked his head, charmed by the frown he was so easily able to elicit. “You know, we’re supposed to go tomorrow. Would you like to, uh, come along?”
Natalie opened her mouth to decline, certain that for the second time that night, he was calling her bluff. He didn’t look so smug, though, just curious, maybe hopeful, too, a bit like the boys at school. “I don’t know. My aunt might have plans for me. I’m about to start school.”
“School?” Jimmy asked, raising a brow. “Where?”
“Not far from here. It’s a boarding school outside of Montreux.” She conjured up her finest French accent. “En Lausanne.”
“Lausanne?” Jimmy repeated, matching her pronunciation with ease. “Very nice. Do you speak French?”
“Not … exactly,” she confessed, toying with the handle of her fork. “But I’m learning.”
“So, you’ll live there, yeah?” Robert snickered as she wrinkled up her nose.
“Um, that’s kind of what a boarding school is.” She smirked, fishing the fork from the remaining pool of cheese, only to find it bare. Damn. She scoured the bowl, poking this way and that as she sensed Jimmy’s gaze on her again.
“Seem to have lost something?”
Natalie stilled, nearly trailing gruyere across the table as it oozed down the tines of the utensil. She dropped it onto her plate with a clatter, wiping her fingers with the white linen in her lap.
The guitarist cleared his throat. “It appears our dear Natalie, here, has lost her bread. What was the sentence for that? I’ve forgotten.” It was obvious he hadn’t forgotten, and Nat was sure she was crimson by the time the last set of eyes landed on her. “Oh, yes, you’ve got to kiss your neighbors.”
“That’s right, Nattie!” Susan exclaimed, clapping her hands with glee. “Pay the price! Right here, sweet.” She tapped the side of her face with a ruby red nail, and Nat dutifully delivered a kiss. “Now, your other neighbor, darling,” she cooed, motioning to Robert. Natalie slowly turned, expelling a long breath at the singer’s burgeoning grin.
“Wherever you want, little Natalie Grace,” he purred, scooting his chair closer. “I’ll leave it all up to you.”
Gritting her teeth, she moved in for a swift peck on his cheek, but at the last second, he twisted his head, and her lips smashed into his. She gasped, jumping back in her seat as the table erupted. She wasn’t crimson; she was purple.
“Sorry, love, just having a bit of …”
“Fun. I get it. Evidently, you need a lot of it.” Fuming, Natalie downed the rest of her water.
“Aw, don’t take it like that. Please? I won’t tease you anymore.”
“Well, you won’t have the chance, because I’m going to bed,” she snapped, pushing away from the table.
“You can’t leave. It’s early.” In truth, he’d no clue what time it was, but he didn’t want to let her go just yet. “Stay for a while. Just a little bit. I’ll be on my best behavior, I promise.”
“I wouldn’t count on that if I were you.” Jimmy’s gentle warning floated across to her. His smile was back. Or a hint of one. “You were talking about your school. Do finish telling us.”
Natalie folded her napkin neatly alongside her plate as she gazed between the two men. So different, but in some ways alike. Arrogant … but playful, too. “Well, I haven’t learned much about it yet. I’ve only been there a couple of times.”
Robert traced the rim of his glass with the tip of his finger. “I suppose it, ah, requires a uniform?”
Against her better judgment, her lips curled up. “Yes. Why?”
“Oh, I don’t know.” He shrugged, tapping the base of the goblet. “Just … idle curiosity.”
Nat narrowed her eyes as she registered his tone, a ribbon of something coursing through her. She’d been wrong. He was nothing like the other boys. “Aren’t you a little old for school girls?”
“What? No way! Never too old!” Robert winked, knocking back his wine. “Nah, you remind me of my sister, that’s all.”
Her heart fell a tiny bit. ”Your sister? How come?”
“She’s a brat, too.”
A laugh bubbled up from the back of her throat as he gave her a silly grin, and for a handful of seconds, they were the only two people in the room.
#Robert Plant fanfic#Robert Plant fanfiction#Robert Plant fan fic#Led Zeppelin fanfic#Led Zeppelin fanfiction#Led Zeppelin fan fic#Jimmy Page fanfic#Jimmy Page fanfiction
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